The Glenn Beck Program – Best of the Program | Guest: Daniel Horowitz | 02/21/25

Release Date: February 21, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck engages in a comprehensive discussion with guest Daniel Horowitz, focusing on the current state of the American economy, government spending, and proposed fiscal policies. The conversation delves into recent developments in politics and economics, offering insightful perspectives on the challenges facing the nation.

2. Economic Climate and Trump's Approval

Glenn Beck opens the discussion by addressing the recent decline in former President Donald Trump's approval ratings. Referencing a Reuters report, Beck notes:

"Reuters is reporting that Trump's approval has slid from 44 to 44, from 47, because jobs and inflation are punching folks in the gut." ([02:29])

He elaborates on the impact of rising unemployment and inflation:

"Unemployment has crept up to 4.2%. Grocery bills are like a bad X that just won't go away, and people are jittery a bit." ([02:34])

Beck argues that the economic struggles are symptomatic of long-term issues exacerbated by recent policies:

"We have trashed our economy for decades and then we added a wrecking ball to the rest of it for the last four years." ([02:45])

3. Government Efficiency and Corruption Perceptions

The conversation shifts to government efficiency initiatives spearheaded by Trump and Elon Musk. Beck discusses a controversial move to sell the "Department of Government Efficiency Doge," aiming to eliminate waste and return rebates to citizens:

"This is the government getting a long overdue haircut. And Musk is holding the clippers." ([04:02])

However, Beck raises concerns about the broader implications of such initiatives on national debt:

"We are drowning in $36 trillion of debt. Stick it in there instead." ([04:10])

He critiques the Washington Post's reporting on America's Corruption Perception Index, questioning the legitimacy and biases of Transparency International:

"Transparency International is nothing more than deep state prison... They are bankrolled by the same clowns." ([06:15])

Beck emphasizes skepticism towards media narratives, asserting:

"The time of lies is over. Thank God for AI which at least now is proving its worth on giving us complete transparency." ([06:50])

4. FBI Director Appointment and Partisan Tensions

Beck addresses the contentious appointment of Cash Patel as FBI Director, highlighting the narrow confirmation vote and the ensuing partisan divide:

"Cash Patel in as FBI director squeaking by 51 to 49. The GOP is pumping its fish for his reform swagger." ([08:30])

He predicts significant changes within the FBI under Patel's leadership:

"The FBI has been begging for the swamps, built a fortress in that agency and he's kicking down the front gates." ([09:05])

Beck warns of potential turmoil within the agency:

"Eight top dogs are already out the door at the FBI and he's got a list and he's checked it twice." ([09:15])

5. DOJ and Foreign Corruption Practices Act

The discussion turns to the Department of Justice's adjustments to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Beck interprets these changes as a double-edged sword:

"Trump and his squad call it an unshackling of business. Fewer audits, lighter fines." ([10:45])

Horowitz adds nuance, acknowledging both potential economic benefits and ethical concerns:

"When the feds ease off, it's usually a breather for the little guy. But... without real time spent looking into the dark corners on all sides, this one still feels a little weird." ([11:10])

6. Budget Cuts and Fiscal Responsibility

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on national budget cuts and fiscal responsibility. Horowitz critiques the Republican approach to government spending:

"Republicans have failed to communicate and complete their sentences that what is causing the current and future inflation are these very programs." ([14:43])

Beck and Horowitz advocate for aggressive budget cuts to address the mounting national debt:

Beck: "We should be cutting about $2 trillion at bare minimum. We have to make cuts in everything. Everything. There cannot be a sacred cow." ([19:12])

Horowitz: "There is no shortcut to that message. You need wholesale healthcare reform... Absolutely need to get aggressive on education, housing, transportation." ([20:26])

7. Tariffs vs. Tax Cuts: A Strategic Debate

The duo engages in a strategic debate on the efficacy of tariffs versus tax cuts as tools for economic stimulation. Horowitz supports Trump's proposal to replace income tax with tariff revenue, highlighting potential economic incentives:

"If he could abolish the IRS and cover our spending with tariffs and not go to World War, man. You strap me to the outside of a Musk rocket, okay?" ([27:03])

Beck counters by emphasizing the importance of lowering tax rates to attract businesses:

"I want to see a trillion dollars from Doge. I mean, an actual trillion dollars from Doge." ([28:11])

They explore the balance between maintaining tariff revenue and attracting foreign investment through competitive tax rates:

Horowitz: "What you need in a reconciliation bill to pass a reconciliation bill is a balanced budget on the bill and actually lowering the deficit." ([30:16])

Beck: "If we lower the rates, companies come because they want to come here, because they have lower rates and getting the benefits of being in America." ([34:07])

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Glenn Beck wraps up the discussion by reiterating the necessity of balanced fiscal policies and the critical role of leadership in navigating economic challenges:

"If we can get that trifecta, we save the nation for our children. It will be tough, but it won't be tough." ([32:22])

Daniel Horowitz echoes the urgency of implementing lasting fiscal reforms:

"We need enduring victories this time." ([25:38])

Beck emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum to prevent regression:

"We cannot, we won't survive if he doesn't. And the time to do it is right now." ([23:39])

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Challenges: Rising unemployment and inflation are significant concerns, with Trump's approval ratings reflecting public dissatisfaction.

• Government Efficiency: Initiatives to reduce government waste face skepticism regarding their effectiveness and potential impact on national debt.

• Partisan Tensions: The appointment of Cash Patel as FBI Director underscores deep partisan divides and signals potential reforms within federal agencies.

• Fiscal Responsibility: Aggressive budget cuts and fiscal reforms are deemed necessary to address the unsustainable national debt and curb inflation.

• Policy Strategies: A strategic balance between tariffs and tax cuts is essential to foster economic growth while maintaining revenue streams and attracting foreign investment.

Notable Quotes:

• "We have trashed our economy for decades and then we added a wrecking ball to the rest of it for the last four years." – Glenn Beck ([02:45])

• "Transparency International is nothing more than deep state prison... They are bankrolled by the same clowns." – Glenn Beck ([06:15])

• "Eight top dogs are already out the door at the FBI and he's got a list and he's checked it twice." – Glenn Beck ([09:15])

• "We need enduring victories this time." – Daniel Horowitz ([25:38])

• "If we can get that trifecta, we save the nation for our children. It will be tough, but it won't be tough." – Glenn Beck ([32:22])

This episode provides a thorough examination of the pressing economic and political issues facing the United States, emphasizing the need for strategic fiscal policies and strong leadership to navigate the nation's challenges.