The Glenn Beck Program – Best of the Program | Guest: Rep. Chip Roy | 1/28/26
Date: January 28, 2026 | Blaze Podcast Network
Episode Overview
This episode features an in-depth discussion on the current state of unrest in Minnesota, allegations of widespread fraud, and debates concerning federal and state authority in immigration enforcement. Glenn Beck is joined by Rep. Chip Roy, who is running for Texas Attorney General, for a candid conversation about political division, law enforcement, and the limits of federal power. The show intersperses political analysis with lighthearted reminiscing about co-host Stu’s long tenure, offering a blend of serious insight and humor.
Key Discussion Points
1. Grassroots Investigations vs. Government Agencies
- Glenn Beck opens the show questioning why independent investigators (e.g., Cam Higby, Data Republican) are revealing more about unfolding events in Minnesota than federal agencies such as the NSA.
- Beck highlights an article from Red State summarizing grassroots findings about suspicious activity at a Minneapolis address tied to insurrection-related events.
- Notable Quote:
“Why are we getting more data and more information from people like, you know, Cam Higby or Data Republican than we are from... our own federal government?” (Beck, 00:00)
2. Suspicious Activity and Alleged Fraud in Minnesota
- Discussion of the address (2614 Nicolet) where a significant shooting occurred, which houses eight businesses in just 1,100 sq. ft.—raising red flags about its legitimacy.
- Glenn Beck:
“That is also where the shooting happened. That is weird. That is really, really weird. ...184 providers and eight businesses in 1100 square feet never send up a single red flag. Not one whatsoever.” (Beck, 07:51)
- Glenn Beck:
- Glenn suspects organized efforts in Minnesota, drawing a line between peaceful protestors and those intent on insurrection or civil war.
- References to major unions and far-left organizations promoting a national shutdown as a "Marxist revolutionary" move.
3. Government and Agency Accountability
- Beck repeatedly returns to frustration over NSA inaction given their resources.
- Key Quote:
“What the hell did we pay for? ...why the hell are we having Cam Higby being the one that is saying, by the way, did you see this?” (Beck, 15:14)
- Key Quote:
- He calls for careful, transparent government action to distinguish between lawful protesters and dangerous actors.
4. Minnesota, Immigration, and Federalism (w/ Rep. Chip Roy)
- Rep. Chip Roy joins to discuss:
- Funding for Homeland Security and the political maneuvering in Congress regarding ICE and Border Patrol.
- Local/state refusal (e.g., Minnesota) to comply with federal immigration law and the implications for national sovereignty.
- Roy:
“We have a duty to enforce the law. I think the American people are with us on that. We should stay the course.” (Roy, 18:06)
- Roy:
- If states refuse to cooperate, Roy questions how states like Texas can justify continuing close relations with them.
- Roy:
“I don’t know how you coexist with a governor of another state who refuses to enforce the law and says he has the right to put dangerous people on the streets...” (Roy, 20:32)
- Potential need for border controls between states as internal security measures.
- Roy:
Is This an Insurrection? Invoking Federal Action
- Beck presses Roy on whether these circumstances justify invoking the Insurrection Act.
- Roy:
“I have said, and the Freedom Caucus... we believe the President would be well within his rights to invoke the Insurrection Act... to stop this interference. … But... I do not like the raw power of the federal government being used to come into states.” (Roy, 23:42; paraphrased for clarity)
- Emphasizes need for local-federal cooperation, but also readiness for decisive action.
- Roy:
What to Do if Cooperation Fails
- Roy points to using Congress’s control of funding (“power of the purse”) to pressure non-compliant states and localities, advocating for cutting off funding to sanctuary cities.
- Also notes failure among some Republicans to pursue these measures effectively.
- Roy:
“We have to keep our foot on the gas and we have to be willing to ruffle feathers.” (Roy, 28:32)
- Stakes are described as existential:
“We either save it over these next three years under President Trump and, lord willing, win another presidential election, or there is no republic left.” (Roy, 29:02)
5. Stu’s Farewell: A Look Back
- Glenn and Stu reminisce over 27 years together in broadcasting.
- Beck attributes much of his career survival to Stu’s thoughtfulness and calmness.
- Beck:
“He is one of the smartest people, one of the calmest people. ...He has been really good, especially when I was younger... saying, ‘probably shouldn’t say that. Let’s wait until we get more facts.’ And it saved me and my career.” (Beck, 29:22)
- Beck:
- Beck attributes much of his career survival to Stu’s thoughtfulness and calmness.
- Humorous stories about their early days, failed remote broadcasts, practical jokes (Stu waterboarded with chocolate milk, drinking Roundup), and the apprenticeship dynamic:
- Stu:
“A lesson I learned from Glenn ...the second you show any ability to do a thing, it’s part of your new job.” (Stu, 32:19)
- Stu:
Presidential Interviews & Technical Fumbles
- Anecdote about interviewing George W. Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine, worried that the recording equipment (never used before) might not work during the high-profile, last-minute interview.
- Only one out of two recorders succeeded, to their relief.
- Stu:
“I had two different recording devices... neither of which I’d ever used ...I was so nervous that we were going to do an interview with a former President of the United States, and it all be gone.” (Stu, 41:41)
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
-
Cam Higby/NSA/Bureaucracy Critique:
“Why are we getting more data and more information from people like, you know, Cam Higby or data Republican than we are from... our own federal government?” (Beck, 00:00) -
Suspicious Business in Minneapolis:
“184 providers and eight businesses in 1100 square feet never send up a single red flag. Not one whatsoever.” (Beck, 07:51) -
Necessity of Law Enforcement Cooperation:
“We have a duty to enforce the law. I think the American people are with us on that. We should stay the course.” (Roy, 18:06) -
On refusing to cooperate with federal immigration law:
“I don’t know how you coexist with a governor of another state who refuses to enforce the law...” (Roy, 20:32) -
Insurrection and Raw Federal Power:
“The Freedom Caucus... believe the President would be well within his rights to invoke the Insurrection act... but... I do not like the raw power of the federal government being used to come into states.” (Roy, 23:42) -
The Stakes – Saving the Republic:
“We either save it over these next three years under President Trump and... win another presidential election, or there is no republic left. You and I know this to be true.” (Roy, 29:02) -
On Stu’s Role and Partnership:
“He has been really good, especially when I was younger... saying, ‘probably shouldn’t say that. Let’s wait until we get more facts.’ And it saved me and my career.” (Beck, 29:22) -
Practical Joke – Waterboarding with Chocolate Milk:
“We were trying to understand what waterboarding would be like, and we decided to do it with chocolate milk... it was too chocolatey, if I remember correctly.” (Beck, 34:27) -
Last-Minute Interview Panic:
“I had two different recording devices... I was so nervous that we were going to do an interview with the President... and it’d all be gone.” (Stu, 41:41)
Important Timestamps for Key Segments
- Grassroots Investigation Commentary: 03:39 – 11:58
- Insurrection & Doctor/Nurse Strike Concerns: 12:13 – 16:54
- Rep. Chip Roy Interview – Federalism, Immigration, Insurrection Act: 16:54 – 29:14
- Stu Farewell & Early Show Memories: 29:22 – 44:09
Tone & Language
The episode maintains Glenn Beck’s trademark conversational, sometimes sardonic tone, mixing urgency over political concerns with self-deprecating humor and nostalgia. Chip Roy’s straightforward, slightly exasperated delivery conveys seriousness about the issues and the high stakes he perceives.
Summary
This episode is a blend of high-stakes political discussion and heartfelt nostalgia. Glenn Beck and Rep. Chip Roy delve deep into the breakdown of cooperation between federal and state governments, highlight the role ordinary citizens are playing in uncovering complex events in Minnesota, and debate the appropriate uses and dangers of concentrated federal power. The show also serves as a sendoff for co-host Stu, whose behind-the-scenes contributions and on-air camaraderie have been key to the program’s character. For listeners seeking insight into America's current political culture and governance challenges—presented with wit, candor, and charm—this episode is quintessential Glenn Beck.
