Summary of "The Glenn Beck Program" Episode Featuring Liz Wheeler & Christopher Bedford (02/06/25)

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Glenn Beck Program aired on February 6, 2025, host Glenn Beck engages in a critical discussion with Liz Wheeler, host of The Liz Wheeler Show on BlazeTV, and Blaze Media Senior Editor for Politics, Christopher Bedford. The conversation delves deep into the murky waters of media corruption, federal funding scandals, and the ongoing political upheaval within Washington, D.C. This summary captures the essence of their dialogue, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and insightful analyses.

1. Exposing the Politico Scandal

Timestamp: 09:21 – 16:32

Glenn Beck and his guests, Liz Wheeler and Christopher Bedford, kick off the episode by addressing a significant revelation unearthed by Liz Wheeler: Politico, a prominent media outlet, has been receiving substantial federal funding, amounting to a staggering $34.3 million over the past decade. This figure starkly contrasts with earlier reports of $8 million, raising profound concerns about media integrity and government influence.

Key Points:

• Funding Sources: The funds flowed from various federal agencies, including USAID, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, FDA, CDC, and EPA.
• Timing of Funds: The subsidies to Politico surged notably after Donald Trump's political ascent in 2015 and continued to escalate during Joe Biden's administration in 2020 and 2021.
• Purpose of Funds: While official narratives suggest these were for premium subscriptions like Politico Pro (claimed to cost $10,000 annually), Beck and his guests argue that such exorbitant fees indicate patronage rather than legitimate service.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Beck [07:01]: "They are defenders of the COVID-19 jab, the Moderna jab, even for young men, which we now know is very dangerous. They are an arm, a propaganda arm of the federal government."
• Christopher Bedford [08:53]: "Anybody who is like, well, you know, they were just...every government employee was blocked."

Insight: The trio posits that Politico's significant federal funding compromises its journalistic objectivity, effectively making it a mouthpiece for government propaganda. They emphasize the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding these funds, suggesting that such financial ties undermine democratic discourse.

2. Impact on Media and Federal Operations

Timestamp: 16:33 – 27:34

The discussion transitions to the broader implications of federal funding on media operations and governmental functions. Bedford highlights the paradox of federal employees being blocked from accessing certain media outlets like BlazeTV’s The Liz Wheeler Show, suggesting an intentional suppression of dissenting voices.

Key Points:

• Media Influence: The infusion of federal funds into media outlets like Politico and the BBC raises questions about foreign versus domestic funding influences.
• Operational Changes: The Trump administration's efforts to restructure federal agencies, particularly targeting Chief Information Officers (CIOs), aim to dismantle entrenched bureaucratic systems and introduce new governance aligned with presidential agendas.
• Elon Musk's Role: Musk's involvement is portrayed as pivotal in exposing corruption within agencies like USAID and pushing for greater transparency and accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Liz Wheeler [33:18]: "This is a revolution going on, a soft, peaceful revolution in the way the federal government works and it will have lasting impact."
• Glenn Beck [10:31]: "There is no justification on the face of this Earth for $34.3 million to be given from the federal government agencies to a supposedly objective media organization."

Insight: The guests argue that the integration of substantial federal funds into media not only skews public perception but also fosters an environment where media entities are beholden to governmental interests. This, they contend, erodes public trust and stifles genuine journalistic independence.

3. The Cash Patel Committee Delay and Its Implications

Timestamp: 27:34 – 35:59

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the delayed confirmation vote for Cash Patel, a pivotal figure in the Trump administration's efforts to combat federal corruption and improve governmental efficiency.

Key Points:

• Committee Dynamics: Despite the Republican majority, the Senate committee has postponed Patel's vote, with Bedford speculating on underlying motives tied to preventing potential leaks of sensitive information related to high-profile figures like Jeffrey Epstein.
• Potential Revelations: Concerns revolve around the possibility of Patel exposing extensive corruption, including withheld information on the Biden family and influential personalities like Bill Gates.
• Grassley's Role: Senator Chuck Grassley, known for his adherence to traditional bipartisan rules, is scrutinized for allowing procedural delays that the guests interpret as deliberate obstructions orchestrated by Democrats.

Notable Quotes:

• Christopher Bedford [19:28]: "Why is he going along with it? The reasoning they give is a complete bunch of crap."
• Liz Wheeler [35:04]: "They are going to find something to cause some kind of weak-kneed Republicans to quibble a little bit."

Insight: The delay in Patel's confirmation is portrayed as a strategic maneuver by Democratic leaders to impede the Trump administration's reformative agenda. The guests suggest that such delays are symptomatic of deeper, systemic resistance to eliminating bureaucratic corruption.

4. Overhauling Federal Technology and Cybersecurity

Timestamp: 35:59 – 42:34

The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's directive to revoke the career-reserved status of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) across federal agencies, a move intended to inject new, politically-aligned talent into pivotal technological roles.

Key Points:

• CIO Reforms: By opening CIO positions to general employees and non-career individuals, the administration aims to replace entrenched bureaucrats with tech-savvy professionals aligned with its objectives.
• Cybersecurity Enhancements: Emphasis is placed on leveraging expertise from tech leaders associated with figures like Peter Thiel to bolster federal cybersecurity measures.
• Public Reaction: Federal employees and unions are resisting these changes, particularly concerning privacy and data access within critical departments like Medicare and Medicaid.

Notable Quotes:

• Liz Wheeler [40:10]: "Chief information officer can be someone who controls that, but also they do a lot of cybersecurity and protection of American data and American secrets in the modern world."
• Glenn Beck [40:23]: "He's going to tell you exactly how much these people with Social Security numbers are reporting to the IRS. If you aren't going to work and you're being paid full time, are you making more than you were when you were working here in the building? That's fraud."

Insight: By targeting CIO roles, the administration seeks to revolutionize federal technological infrastructure, aligning it more closely with contemporary digital standards and reducing susceptibility to political manipulation. However, this ambitious overhaul faces significant pushback from within federal institutions, highlighting the challenges of implementing large-scale bureaucratic reforms.

5. Confronting Corruption and the Epstein Files

Timestamp: 42:34 – 45:22

A critical and tense segment revolves around the potential release of sensitive documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and other high-profile figures. The guests express grave concerns about the implications of such leaks for national security and individual reputations.

Key Points:

• Potential Leaks: Anticipation surrounds the possibility of Cash Patel unveiling classified information, which could implicate influential individuals across the political and business spectrum.
• National Security Risks: The release of Social Security numbers and financial data poses significant risks, including blackmail and unauthorized access to personal and governmental secrets.
• Public Awareness: The guests advocate for transparency, arguing that exposing these documents is essential for accountability, despite the potential fallout.

Notable Quotes:

• Christopher Bedford [23:18]: "You don't know who they are. You don't know who might be compromising them. You know, that's, that's not good."
• Liz Wheeler [44:10]: "We have to have the truth because the truth itself is so unbelievably powerful that you need to know what that is."

Insight: The discussion underscores the high stakes involved in government transparency and the delicate balance between national security and public accountability. The guests posit that while the release of such documents could cause significant upheaval, it is a necessary step towards rooting out deep-seated corruption.

6. Elon Musk's Influence and Future Reforms

Timestamp: 45:22 – 52:00

Elon Musk's role in driving reform within federal agencies is examined, particularly his influence on digitizing government operations and combating systemic corruption.

Key Points:

• Elon Musk's Strategy: Musk is credited with initiating groundbreaking reforms aimed at enhancing government transparency and efficiency through digital innovation.
• Phased Approach: The administration's reform agenda is implemented in multiple phases, with insiders like Bedford and Wheeler expressing optimism about its long-term impact.
• Union Resistance: Efforts to reform federal operations meet resistance from unions and activist groups, leading to a flurry of resignations and legal challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Beck [47:12]: "The left has been so genius at what they're doing. It's, it's admirable. I mean, you have to, you have to admire it. Okay, it's evil, but it's, it's, you have to look back and go, that was expertly done and brilliant."
• Liz Wheeler [50:10]: "People are setting up support groups for federal workers who may have their feelings hurt or maybe looking at eight months of paid salary if they resign."

Insight: Musk's initiatives are portrayed as a beacon of hope for dismantling entrenched bureaucratic inefficiencies and fostering a more responsive federal government. Despite facing substantial opposition, the concerted efforts of individuals like Musk and the Trump administration signal a transformative shift towards greater governmental accountability.

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a thorough exposé on the intertwining of federal funding and media influence, shedding light on the deep-seated corruption within governmental agencies. Through incisive dialogue and fearless investigation, Glenn Beck, Liz Wheeler, and Christopher Bedford articulate a vision for a more transparent and accountable government. They emphasize the importance of uncovering the truth, no matter how consequential, to preserve the integrity of American democracy.

Final Notable Quote:

• Glenn Beck [28:05]: "This is well planned out. I don't think it's going to slow down."

Overall Insight: The program serves as a clarion call for vigilance against institutional corruption, advocating for systemic reforms and the unwavering pursuit of truth. It underscores the critical role of independent journalism and political activism in safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and welfare of the people.