The story of Detroit's bankruptcy was simple enough: Allow capitalism to grow the city, campaign against income inequality, tax the job creators until they flee, increase government spending in order to boost employment, promise generous pension plans to keep people voting for failure. Rinse, wash and repeat.

The quote — “The story of Detroit's bankruptcy was simple enough: Allow capitalism to grow the city, campaign against income inequality, tax the job creators until they flee, increase government spending in order to boost employment, promise generous pension plans to keep people voting for failure. Rinse, wash and repeat” — comes from Ben Shapiro, a conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer. In this statement, Shapiro offers a critical and ideological interpretation of the factors that led to Detroit's financial collapse, framing it as a cautionary tale of economic mismanagement and progressive policy failure.

Shapiro outlines a cyclical narrative in which a city initially thrives through capitalist growth, but then, in his view, undermines itself by enacting policies aimed at addressing income inequality and expanding government intervention. He argues that by heavily taxing businesses and “job creators,” Detroit discouraged economic growth, leading to population decline, job loss, and eventually a shrinking tax base. The mention of generous pension promises implies unsustainable fiscal obligations made by city officials to maintain political support, which, according to Shapiro, accelerated the city’s path to bankruptcy.

The phrase “Rinse, wash and repeat” adds a tone of sarcasm and inevitability, suggesting that this cycle of economic rise and politically-driven decline is not unique to Detroit, but a pattern that could repeat in other cities following similar policies. Shapiro’s quote reflects his broader political philosophy: a strong belief in free-market capitalism, limited government, and fiscal conservatism. He uses Detroit as an example of what he considers the long-term consequences of progressive governance.

The quote likely originates from one of Shapiro’s many opinion columns, books, or podcast episodes, where he frequently critiques urban policy and what he sees as the failings of left-leaning economic strategies. While his interpretation is controversial and partisan, it speaks to a wider debate over the role of government spending, taxation, and labor policy in shaping the fortunes of American cities.