DONKEY: Charlamagne Responds To Glenn Beck Calling Him Out Over Trump Administration Criticism. Listen for more!

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Episode: DONKEY: Charlamagne Responds To Glenn Beck Calling Him Out Over Trump Administration Criticism
Date: May 4, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Featured Discussion: Charlamagne Tha God responds publicly to conservative commentator Glenn Beck accusing him of justifying an assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, examining the complexities of political violence, radicalization, and real economic pain in America.

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Breakfast Club centers on Charlamagne Tha God’s response to conservative radio host Glenn Beck, who criticized Charlamagne’s comments about the Trump administration and the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump. Charlamagne unequivocally reiterates his condemnation of political violence, while highlighting the necessity of discussing how economic, social, and political conditions can radicalize individuals. The exchange dives deep into issues of economic hardship, political gaslighting, and media responsibility, engaging the show’s audience to share their lived experiences of pain and struggle.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Glenn Beck's Accusation

• Charlamagne sets the stage by referencing his previous comments about the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and how these were depicted by Glenn Beck.
• Beck’s social media post captioned: “CHARLAMAGNE JUSTIFIES the Trump assassination attempt?!” was noted as intentionally provocative (03:25).
  • Charlamagne: “Glenn, your social media people knew what they were doing, okay? They were trying to paint the picture that I was justifying the Trump assassination. That’s why they put justifying in caps. They. But you put a question mark at the end to protect yourselves.” (03:25)

2. Reiterating Stance Against Political Violence

• Charlamagne repeatedly and clearly states:
  • “There is no place for political violence in our society. None. I don’t condone it, but I think we do ourselves a disservice when we don’t talk about how people can become radicalized.” (03:56, reiterated at 05:00, 06:06, and 10:38)

3. Economic Pain and Radicalization

• Charlamagne argues that ignoring the reasons people get radicalized, especially economic pain, is dangerous and dishonest.
  • He reads direct comments from listeners about struggles with health care, food insecurity, stagnant wages, and losing rights (06:09–07:51):
    • “Maybe the pain isn't loud. Maybe it’s quiet and constant... It’s the silent math happening at kitchen tables. What can we cut next? What happens if someone gets sick? That is the pain people are carrying right now.”
      — Gina Lisa Monteroso, cited by Charlamagne (06:28)
    • “They're literally killing protesters in the street, terrorizing immigrant communities. People can't afford food, gas, everyone working two jobs...”
      — Listener comment, paraphrased by Charlamagne (07:10)
    • “Women have lost their rights to their bodies, black folks have lost political power, and the price of everything has skyrocketed. And he wants to know what pain people are in.”
      — Mistress Fatima, cited by Charlamagne (07:30)
  • He shares statistics: “Between 57% and 78% of American adults live paycheck to paycheck, meaning they have little to no savings left after covering basic expenses... With over 40% of consumers struggling to save for retirement.” (08:31)

4. Calling Out Privilege and Gaslighting

• Charlamagne accuses Glenn Beck of gaslighting and being disconnected from everyday Americans’ realities due to his wealth and privilege.
  • “People like Glenn Beck have been too rich, too privileged, and too in a bubble for so long that they have zero clue about the pain so many in this country are currently facing.” (05:12)
  • “If you understand the economic pain, then why are you asking the question what pain?” (05:42)
  • “It’s hard to know what people like Glenn Beck really believe and what’s just performative because you acknowledge that you understand the economic pain.” (07:57)

5. Expanding the Lens on ‘Violence’

• Charlamagne advocates for consistent denouncement of both violent rhetoric and policies that harm people:
  • “Yes, we should talk about violent political rhetoric that leads to political violence... But we should also talk about violent political policies that are hurting the pockets of everyday working class Americans and discourage and denounce that, too.” (09:54)

6. Engaging the Audience: Real-Life Hardships

• Listeners are encouraged to call in with their stories of pain and how government policies have caused or deepened their struggles (10:36).
• The discussion lists examples like:
  • Facing eviction while working full-time.
  • Being unable to afford daycare or healthcare.
  • Living paycheck to paycheck, missing one check and having to choose between food, rent, and other necessities. (11:13–11:58)
  • Podcast Announcer: “He might know it, but it’s a different feeling when you feeling it. Your people are really trying to figure some things out. That’s different.” (11:08)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Charlamagne:

  • “There is no justification for political violence, but we do ourselves a grave disservice if we don’t at least discuss the many reasons a person can be radicalized.” (Repeated: 06:00, 10:38)
  • “It’s the silent math happening at kitchen tables... What happens if someone gets sick? That is the pain people are carrying right now.” (06:30)
  • “I don’t agree with vigilante justice. I don’t think political violence is the answer. But we have to have honest conversations about how these people are being radicalized.” (07:41)
  • “You can’t just shrug that off because you rich.” (11:02)

• Glenn Beck (audio clip):

  • “What the hell pain are people... I understand economic pain that started under Biden. What pain are people going through right now that you can go, yeah, I can see why they want to kill him?” (04:52)

• Podcast Announcer (on economic hardship):

  • “It’s a different feeling when you feeling it... Your people are really trying to figure some things out.” (11:08)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:13] — Start of Donkey of the Day: Charlamagne announces the topic and addresses Glenn Beck’s accusation.
• [04:33] — Audio clip: Glenn Beck’s criticism of Charlamagne’s comments.
• [05:12] — Charlamagne calls out gaslighting and disconnect of wealthy commentators.
• [06:09–07:51] — Reading listener comments about real-life pain and struggles.
• [08:31] — Sharing statistics on Americans living paycheck to paycheck.
• [09:54] — Call for a broader look at political violence—policies and rhetoric.
• [10:36] — Phone lines open for audience stories about pain caused by government policy.
• [11:08–11:58] — In-studio discussion of the difference between empathy and lived experience of struggle.

---

Episode Tone and Style

The episode remains candid, emphatic, and unapologetically direct, true to The Breakfast Club’s reputation for tackling tough conversations head-on and amplifying underrepresented American perspectives. Charlamagne’s language is both conversational and passionate, encouraging real talk about economic pain and political accountability.

---

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, media responsibility, radicalization, and the lived experiences of working Americans.

Transcript

[Podcast Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Charlamagne tha God]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Tom Boger]

American Soccer is about to explode.

[Tab Ramos]

The World cup is coming.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Ramos sending on Ernie Stewart, the chip score.

[Tab Ramos]

I'm Tab Ramos.

[Tom Boger]

I'm Tom Bogle. On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, you'll get the real storylines, the biggest decisions, and the truth about the U.S. national team.

[Tab Ramos]

It wouldn't be a huge surprise if if our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals.

[Tom Boger]

Listen to Inside American Soccer with Tom Boger and Tab ramos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Hi, everyone. I'm Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things. I'm excited to share that I have a new podcast called Mind Over Mountain. In each episode, I interview athletes, adventurers, and adrenaline seekers to discuss the inner landscapes that informed and inspired their extraordinary feats so we, too, can better understand how to face our own seemingly insurmountable challenges. Listen to Mind Over Mountain every Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[David Eagleman]

There are times when the mind becomes a difficult place to live. This is David Eagleman with the Inner Cosmos podcast. And for Mental Health Awareness Month, we'll talk with singer songwriter Jewel about anxiety.

[Mental Health Storyteller]

I started living in my car, and then my car got stolen. I was having panic attacks. I was agoraphobic.

[David Eagleman]

This is a month of deeply and honest conversations about what happens when the brain goes off course. Listen to intercosmos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Charlamagne tha God]

This is a miracle. There is no question that there are problems in this country between police and community. Yes, you are a donkey.

[Tom Boger]

To the latest on that police killing of a black man.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Now to new developments in the deadly spa shooting rampage.

[Glenn Beck]

And yesterday was a really bad day

[Charlamagne tha God]

for him, and this is what he did.

[Podcast Announcer]

And so we are in a state of emergency.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Okay, White supremacist violence is, it always has been, the number one threat to our society. But I'm Also very proud that my wife is white. That's a Breakfast club, bitches. All right, Charlemagne, please tell me, why was I your donkey of the day? Well, Tommy, Lauren, donkey today for Monday, May 4, goes to American political commentator Glenn Beck. You know who Glenn Beck is, right? Y' all know who Glenn Beck is, right? CEO of the Blaze, used to be on Fox. I believe we share the same syndicate as he's with Premier Networks as well. He's very successful. Very successful. He's had a long, prosperous career in media. In fact, I was looking up his net worth this morning because I am a notorious pocket watcher. And his net worth is 150 to 200 million dollars. Okay, he gets to it. And he was recently having a conversation on his radio show, I believe, about some of my comments in regards to the shooting that happened at the White House correspondence dinner. We know the story. Cole Thomas Allen rushed security guards and fired a shotgun, and he is now being accused of trying to assassinate President Donald J. Trump. Now, I made some comments about that situation. My comments were simple. There is no place for political violence in our society. None. I don't condone it, but I think we do ourselves a disservice when we don't talk about how people can become radicalized. And the reality is the Trump administration has caused so much pain to people's everyday lives that some folks are fed up and willing to risk it all. Well, Glenn Beck decided to talk about those statements. And in his caption on IG of the video, he put charlamagne justifies. And he put justifies in all caps. Charlemagne justifies the Trump assassination attempt with a question mark, an exclamation mark. Glenn, your social media people knew what they were doing, okay? They were trying to paint the picture that I was justifying the Trump assassination. That's why they put justifying in caps. They. But you put a question mark at the end to protect yourselves. Okay, I get it. But Glenn asked the question in regards to what I said, let's listen.

[Glenn Beck]

You know who Charlemagne tha God is. I want you to listen to what he said about the Trump assassination attempt this week. Listen to this.

[Charlamagne tha God]

The Trump administration has caused so much pain to people's everyday lives that some folks are fed up and willing to risk it all. Simple as that. And if you're going to talk about anybody toning down violent political rhetoric, start with the president, Donald J. Trump. What?

[Glenn Beck]

What the hell pain are people? I mean, I understand economic pain that started under Biden. What pain are people going through right now that you can go, yeah, I can see why they want to kill him. That's an honest question. What pain is being applied by this administration that makes you say, I want to kill him?

[Charlamagne tha God]

That's some grade A gaslighting right there, okay? People like Glenn Beck have been too rich, too privileged, and to in a bubble for so long that they have zero clue about the pain so many in this country are currently facing. And if you listen to what Glenn Beck said, he gets it, but he just shrugged it off. He literally says, I understand the economic pain. Let's listen to that part. What the.

[Glenn Beck]

What the hell pain are people going. I mean, I understand economic pain that started under Biden. What pain are people going through right now that you can go, yeah, I can see why they want to kill him?

[Charlamagne tha God]

If you understand the economic pain, then why are you asking the question what pain? Okay, could people possibly People. When you why are you asking the question what pain? Okay, could people possibly be going through something in this country? Yes. Once again, there is no justification for political violence, but we do ourselves a grave disservice if we don't at least discuss the many reasons a person can be radicalized. Once again, there is no justification for political violence, but we do ourselves a grave disservice if we don't at least discuss the many reasons a person can be radicalized. You said, what pain can people possibly be going through? Well, let me speak. Let me speak from some of my people, okay? My good friend Gina Lisa Monteroso. She is the founder of Medicaid Advisory Group. She left a comment and said, maybe the pain isn't loud. Maybe it's quiet and constant. It's the moment someone loses subsidized health care and suddenly has to choose between medication or rent. It's living with a chronic illness and realizing the coverage that kept you stable is gone. And now every doctor visit feels like a financial risk. It's parents who work every single day earning $7.25 an hour in places like Texas and Mississippi, but still coming home wondering how to scratch groceries for the week. Is children feeling hungry not because their parents don't try, but because they no longer qualify for SNAP while prices keep rising. It's the silent math happening at kitchen tables. What can we cut next? What happens if someone gets sick? That is the pain people are carrying right now. Another person in my comments said they're literally killing protesters in the street, terrorizing immigrant communities. People can't afford food, gas, everyone working two job. There is no accountability for anyone in the Epstein files. Or for killing school children in an illegal war. There is so much unnecessary pain in a world with enough resources for everyone to live a happy, healthy life. If we just shared in, quote, another person in my comments, her name is Mistress Fatima, says women have lost their rights to their bodies, black folks have lost political power, and the price of everything has skyrocketed. And he wants to know what pain people are in. The Epstein files is a big part, okay? Because if you read Cole Allen's manifesto, he says, and I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes. Sadly, if people don't feel like the justice system is doing anything to protect kids, they're going to take matters into their own hands. I don't agree with vigilante justice. I don't think political violence is the answer. But we have to have honest conversations about how these people are being radicalized. Glenn Beck knows this, okay? But he's one of those people who has made a career off gaslighting folk and playing dumb, okay? It's hard to know what people like Glenn Beck really believe and what's just performative because you acknowledge that you understand the economic pain. And if you understand the economic pain, then you know, economic strife, high unemployment, poverty, income inequality, all of that can lead to violence. It's not right, but it's reality, okay? Economic hardships act as a stressor, raising hostility and contributing to higher rates of robbery, property crime, intimate partner violence, and in some cases, yes, political conflicts. Not saying it's right, but it's reality. Do you realize that according to CBS News, between 57% and 78% of American adults live paycheck to paycheck, meaning they have little to no savings left after covering basic expenses, okay? The rising costs of living, inflation and debt, those are all primary factors, okay? With over 40% of consumers struggling to save for retirement. Glenn Beck, I don't know how you can be so detached from everyday Americans that you don't understand that type of pain, okay? I don't understand how you don't understand the pain the Trump administration has caused. You have to know in your heart that this administration in particular has acted illegally and unconstitutionally in ways that have weakened our democratic institutions, wrecked our economy, rolled back protections for public health, the environment, not to mention health care and Social Security benefits, okay? All of that is at risk for millions of Americans. If you don't think for one second this could lead to someone risking it all, then you're bugging. Yes, we should talk about violent political rhetoric that leads to political violence. And we should discourage that and denounce it. Okay. Especially when it's coming from the president of the United States of America. But we should also talk about violent political policies that are hurting the pockets of everyday working class Americans and discourage and denounce that, too. Please give Dylan Beck the biggest hee hawk. That's all I'm saying. And if you don't think people in pain, open up the phone lines right now. Let's do it. 1-800-585-1051. Okay, let's talk about some of the pain you're dealing with. That's right. Has the policies that the Trump administration has implemented, what type of pain has it caused you? Let's discuss, let's just talk about it. 1-800-585-101-051 yes. Okay. And listen, once again, I don't condone political violence. There is no place for political violence in our society. I don't condone it on any level. But I think we do ourselves a disservice when we don't talk about how people can become radicalized in these situations. Well, let's open up the phone. And economic strife will cause you to do some strange things. 800-585-105. When we're talking about pain, what pain have you been dealing with recently? And he knows it. He literally said, I understand the economic pain. You can't just shrug that off because you rich.

[Podcast Announcer]

I was about to say he might know it, but it's a different feeling when you feeling, yeah, you feeling it. You going home and you, you know what I mean? Like, your people are really trying to figure some things out. Like, that's different.

[Charlamagne tha God]

You got an eviction notice right now.

[Podcast Announcer]

Like, and work a full time job.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Exactly. Where you gonna go? You can't afford daycare. You might have to take your kid to school. Like, there's things that, or you feel pains and you're scared to go to the doctor because you know you're gonna get a huge bill and you can't afford it, man. Listen, the TSA agents, you know, who had to be down at the food bank because like I said, people are living check to check in this country and missing one paycheck. Literally. You got to decide between rent, food, daycare, car notes, health insurance. Like, what are we talking about? Let's, let's take your phone calls. 800-585-1051. Let's discuss this. The Breakfast Club. Good morning, woke up, wake you up, wake that Ass up. Program your Alarm to Power 105.1 on iHeartradio.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Hi everyone. I'm Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things. I'm excited to share that I have a new podcast called Mind Over Mountain. In each episode, I interview athletes, adventurers and adrenaline seekers to discuss the inner landscapes that informed and inspired their extraordinary feats so we too can better understand how to face our own seemingly insurmountable challenges. Listen to Mind Over Mountain every Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tom Boger]

American soccer is about to explode.

[Tab Ramos]

The World cup is coming.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Ramos sending on Ernie Stewart the chip score.

[Tab Ramos]

I'm Tab Ramos.

[Tom Boger]

I'm Tom Bogut. On our podcast, Inside American Soccer, you'll get the real storylines, the biggest decisions, and the truth about the U.S. national team.

[Tab Ramos]

It wouldn't be a huge surprise if our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals.

[Tom Boger]

Listen Inside American Soccer with Tom Boger and Tab ramos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[David Eagleman]

There are times when the mind becomes a difficult place to live. This is David Eagleman with the Inner Cosmos podcast, and for Mental Health Awareness Month, we'll talk with singer songwriter Jewel about anxiety.

[Mental Health Storyteller]

I started living in my car and then my car got stolen. I was having panic attacks. I was agoraphobic.

[David Eagleman]

This is a month of deeply personal and honest conversations about what happens when the brain goes off course. Listen to intercosmos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mental Health Advocate]

Most people out here think that taking care of one another is important. And most people would step up for a neighbor going through a tough time. Most people around here help out friends and family when they need it. But the funny thing is, most of us won't look for help when we need it. Talk to someone if you're struggling with mental health, because most people out here really care. Find more [e-mail] that's loveyourmindtoday.org brought to you by the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the AD Council.

[Podcast Announcer]

This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.