Summary of "The Glenn Beck Program" featuring Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg | March 20, 2025

Published by Blaze Podcast Network

Introduction

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program aired on March 20, 2025, host Glenn Beck engages in a heartfelt and insightful discussion with his guest, Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, the current U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine. The episode delves into a range of topics, including personal reflections on American resilience, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the role of the Department of Education, and concerns about judicial activism. Throughout the conversation, notable quotes and key insights are highlighted to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the subjects discussed.

Glenn Beck’s Emotional Reflection

At the onset of the episode, Glenn Beck shares a deeply personal and emotional experience that has recently affected him:

"I saw something last night. I couldn't sleep again, and I... find myself on the couch last night, you know, 1:00 in the morning, all by myself, crying like a little girl. I mean, I'm like, what is happening to me now?"
— Glenn Beck [04:13]

Beck contemplates the resurgence of what he describes as the "authentic American spirit," expressing both vulnerability and hope. He reflects on emotional fatigue over the past few years and ponders whether his recent sensitivity is indicative of a broader societal shift or personal transformation.

The South African National Antarctic Program

Beck narrates the harrowing situation faced by the South African National Antarctic Program team, emphasizing themes of resilience and the human spirit:

"They are just all fighting to survive, to contribute, to make a difference. If they fail, we lose more than just data on global warming. We lose a story of resilience."
— Glenn Beck [19:40]

He describes the extreme conditions the nine-member team is enduring at the Sane 4 base, surrounded by relentless ice and facing a prolonged Antarctic winter. This story serves as a metaphor for the enduring human spirit amidst adversity, aligning with Beck’s earlier reflections.

Department of Education: Constitutional Concerns

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Department of Education (DOE) and its alignment with constitutional intentions. Beck and his co-host, Michaela, scrutinize the DOE’s foundational legal framework:

"The intention of Congress in the establishment of the Department of Education to protect the rights of state and local governments and public and private educational institutions... That is not what the DOE is doing."
— Glenn Beck [35:08]

Michaela adds:

"I think you could convince me that that's a good idea... It always grows. It always evades that initial, the limiting principles put on it by the law."
— Michaela [36:24]

They argue that the DOE has exceeded its original mandate, infringing upon state and local control over education. Beck suggests that President Trump has the authority to "trim the fat" from the DOE, aligning its operations more closely with congressional intent.

Judicial Activism and the Role of Judges

Beck and Michaela transition to a critique of what they perceive as judicial overreach, likening judges to referees who surpass their roles:

"Judges should step in now on the Department of Education and say, sorry, gang, I read this section last night. That's not what's going on here."
— Glenn Beck [38:56]

Michaela responds with a sports analogy:

"It's like the ref is out on and he decides that that touchdown's worth 10 points. The clock should be kept running because I think so it's most likely that it should be running right now."
— Michaela [38:58]

Beck further references Federalist Papers to underscore the importance of maintaining the judiciary's role as defined by the Constitution, emphasizing checks and balances to prevent judicial overreach.

Conversation with Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg: Ukraine Negotiations

The guest, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, provides an in-depth analysis of the diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, contrasting the approaches of President Trump and President Biden:

"President Trump believes quite deeply and he's absolutely right in this. The war wouldn't have started if he was president. He believes in personal discussions, personal negotiations."
— Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg [21:18]

Kellogg elaborates on how Trump's strategy of direct communication with adversaries, including Putin, facilitated progress toward a 30-day ceasefire:

"President Trump said he's going to end this war. He has now established himself as basically the interlocutor between both Russia and Ukraine. And it's been day 58 and we're already talking to him. We're already at a partial cease fire."
— Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg [21:18]

Beck highlights a pivotal moment when President Zelensky's approach clashed with Trump's negotiation tactics:

"He came in and he started to lecture the president... And when he said, you need to kind of pick a side, I knew that was the end, the end state."
— Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg [25:07]

Kellogg underscores the effectiveness of Trump's team and their "Trump time" approach, which emphasizes swift and decisive diplomatic actions.

Preparation and Competence of Leadership

Beck commends President Trump’s preparedness and knowledge, contrasting it with past administrations:

"He's one of the most well-read presidents we have had. No matter what you ask him about, he knows it down to the very smallest detail."
— Glenn Beck [29:38]

Kellogg confirms this observation, sharing an anecdote about Trump’s meticulousness:

"When you fly with him, he always has a stack of newspapers... he is very, very knowledgeable."
— Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg [29:38]

This discussion emphasizes the importance of informed and proactive leadership in international negotiations.

Conclusion

The episode weaves together personal narratives and political analysis to explore themes of resilience, constitutional integrity, and effective leadership. Glenn Beck and Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on current events, underscored by a call to uphold foundational American principles and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.

Note: This summary encapsulates the main topics and notable quotes from the podcast episode, omitting advertisements and non-content segments to focus on the substantive discussions.