The Glenn Beck Program – July 8, 2025 Episode: Best of the Program | Guest: Salena Zito

1. Introduction to Salena Zito and Her Book "Butler"

The episode kicks off with host Glenn Beck introducing today's guest, Salena Zito, a renowned author from the Blaze Podcast Network. Salena has recently published her book, "Butler," which delves into the attempted assassination of the President in Butler, Pennsylvania. Glenn commends Salena's storytelling prowess and the depth of her insights into American politics and culture.

Glenn Beck [07:58]: "Salena, congratulations on your book. It is so good... The writing of this is the best explanation on who Trump supporters are that I think I've ever read from anybody."

Salena Zito responds by highlighting her long-standing relationship with American politics and her observations on the evolving conservative populist coalition.

Salena Zito [21:10]: "American politics has always had movements that have been just outside of a party or slightly within a party that galvanize and broaden the coalition... It was independents, it was Democrats... that movement is what I see today."

2. Insights from "Butler" – The Assassination Attempt

Salena provides an in-depth look into the events detailed in her book, "Butler," recounting the tense moments surrounding the assassination attempt. She emphasizes the profound impact the incident had on the President, shaping his resolve and purpose.

Salena Zito [28:26]: "He was struggling and he needed to just talk... God was in that moment."

The discussion touches upon President Trump's immediate reaction post-attack, where he coined the famous rallying cry, "Fight, fight, fight," to project strength and resilience.

Salena Zito [27:09]: "He was thinking, my country, symbolically on the ground. I need to get up, and I need to show that my country is strong, that our country is resolute."

Salena also draws parallels between historical figures like Reagan and the President's unwavering stance during crises, underscoring the symbolic nature of leadership in American politics.

Salena Zito [29:14]: "Reagan probably would have thought that. He was someone who deeply believed in American exceptionalism."

3. The Epstein Video Controversy and Media Critique

A significant portion of the episode delves into the recent release of a controversial video related to Jeffrey Epstein's death. Glenn Beck, along with co-hosts Stu Burguiere and Jason, critically examines the video's credibility, highlighting perceived incompetence and potential cover-ups.

Glenn Beck [05:32]: "This is incompetence."

Stu and Jason discuss the technical aspects of the video, pointing out discrepancies such as a missing minute and malfunctioning security cameras that allegedly failed to capture crucial moments.

Jason [10:06]: "It's convenient."

Stu Burguiere [11:07]: "If the camera's up on a ceiling... you can't see Epstein's cell at all."

Salena Zito reinforces these points by referencing an OIG report that details the security lapses during the time of Epstein's death.

Salena Zito [08:12]: "The camera doesn't even have eyes on Epstein's cell at all."

The hosts argue that the video fails to conclusively prove Epstein's suicide, suggesting it instead raises more questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Jason [35:17]: "This video does not prove that Epstein was killed. It doesn't make it impossible for that to have occurred."

4. Political Dynamics and Media Responsibility

The conversation shifts to broader political themes, with discussions about the role of movements like the Tea Party in shaping modern conservatism and the media's influence on public perception.

Stu Burguiere [22:08]: "Donald Trump is a result of the Tea Party... a lot of the people that were with the right were with Donald Trump are the people that were with the Tea Party."

Pam Bondi, another guest on the episode, elaborates on the synergy between grassroots movements and the Republican Party, emphasizing how such coalitions have evolved without fragmenting into new parties.

Pam Bondi [22:49]: "The Tea Party didn't go away. It strengthened and broadened the Republican Party because these weren't just Republicans... it was independents, it was Democrats."

The hosts critique the mainstream media for allegedly prioritizing narratives over nuanced reporting, arguing that this approach has fueled political polarization and mistrust.

Pam Bondi [24:03]: "Nuance is dead in American journalism... reporters were so anxious to write what they believed happened as opposed to what happened."

5. Personal Reflections and Experiences

Salena Zito shares personal anecdotes about her interactions with President Trump, revealing the introspective and spiritual conversations that followed the assassination attempt. She underscores the President's reliance on faith and purpose during trying times.

Salena Zito [30:20]: "He was struggling and he needed to just talk... God was in that moment."

Glenn Beck and Stu Burguiere engage in a candid discussion about leadership under pressure, drawing comparisons to historical leaders and debating the authenticity of political figures' responses to crises.

Stu Burguiere [27:39]: "He was thinking, my country, symbolically on the ground. I need to get up, and I need to show that my country is strong."

6. Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Glenn Beck praises Salena Zito for her compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, reiterating the importance of understanding the dynamics within conservative movements and the challenges posed by media narratives.

Glenn Beck [34:27]: "This is the best of the Glenn Beck Program. Selena, congratulations on your book. It is so good."

The hosts emphasize the continued relevance of Salena's work in shedding light on pivotal moments in American politics and the enduring strength of leadership rooted in resilience and purpose.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Glenn Beck [07:58]: "The writing of this is the best explanation on who Trump supporters are that I think I've ever read from anybody."
• Salena Zito [21:10]: "American politics has always had movements that have been just outside of a party... that movement is what I see today."
• Glenn Beck [05:32]: "This is incompetence."
• Jason [10:06]: "It's convenient."
• Stu Burguiere [22:08]: "Donald Trump is a result of the Tea Party...a lot of the people that were with the right were with Donald Trump are the people that were with the Tea Party."
• Pam Bondi [24:03]: "Nuance is dead in American journalism...reporters were so anxious to write what they believed happened as opposed to what happened."
• Salena Zito [30:20]: "He was struggling and he needed to just talk...God was in that moment."

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a deep dive into critical political events and media narratives shaping American discourse. With Salena Zito's expert insights and the hosts' incisive commentary, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within conservative movements, leadership under pressure, and the ongoing challenges posed by media portrayals.

For those interested in the intersection of politics, media, and personal leadership journeys, this episode provides a compelling and thought-provoking exploration.