The Glenn Beck Program: Best of the Program with Sen. Eric Schmitt & Rep. Chip Roy | July 16, 2025

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck engages in a robust discussion with Senator Eric Schmidt and Representative Chip Roy. The conversation delves into critical issues facing American politics and society, including cryptocurrency legislation, federal budget rescissions, and the alarming infiltration of Chinese drug cartels in rural Maine. The episode also touches upon the Epstein case, highlighting the ongoing quest for transparency and accountability.

1. GOP's Cryptocurrency Legislation and Concerns Over CBDCs

Timestamp: [05:46]

Glenn Beck initiates the discussion by addressing the GOP's cryptocurrency legislation, particularly the Genius Act, which aims to regulate digital currencies and stablecoins. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such regulation, Beck expresses significant concerns about the act potentially paving the way for a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

Glenn Beck: "The Genius Act seems really good in some ways. It is. It's all about digital currency and stablecoins... But the problem is, is this going to lead us to a CBDC... what's in the Genius Act is not a problem. I think there needs to be some things added to it... we have to have some rules on these things."

Rep. Chip Roy concurs, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining financial privacy and preventing government overreach.

Chip Roy: "We believe a line in the sand is that we've got to have an emphatic statement from the government... that the government is not going to be tracking your money to prevent you from being able to buy guns, to prevent you from being able to buy gasoline."

The discussion underscores the delicate balance between regulating cryptocurrencies to prevent illicit activities and safeguarding individual financial freedoms against potential government surveillance and control.

2. Rescission Package and Federal Spending Cuts

Timestamp: [19:32]

Senator Eric Schmidt provides an in-depth analysis of the $9 billion rescission package that Senate Republicans are pushing to cut federal spending. He explains that the package includes significant reductions in funding for programs deemed unnecessary or wasteful.

Eric Schmidt: "I'm the sponsor of the rescissions package. President Trump's package, $9 billion, 1.1 billion is Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That's NPR. That's, that's PBS... we got to beat that back."

Schmidt highlights specific areas targeted by the rescission, including cuts to USAID programs, DEI initiatives, and other federal expenditures he criticizes as misaligned with conservative values. He also mentions the procedural aspects of passing the package, noting the tight vote margins and the critical role of ensuring Republican votes hold firm to secure passage.

Eric Schmidt: "Today is we'll have a vote a rama. The Democrats will offer a bunch of amendments. We, we got to beat that back. We got to hold the 50 votes that we had last night."

The conversation reflects the ongoing efforts within the GOP to implement fiscal conservatism by reducing government spending and eliminating programs they argue are either ineffective or contrary to American interests.

3. Chinese Drug Cartels Infiltrating Rural Maine

Timestamp: [28:43]

Steve Robinson, filmmaker and editor-in-chief of Main Wire.com, presents a troubling investigation into the operations of Chinese drug cartels in rural Maine. His documentary, "High Crimes: The Chinese Mafia's Takeover of Rural America", sheds light on how these cartels are exploiting the region for illicit activities, including marijuana cultivation and human trafficking.

Steve Robinson: "In Maine, we're looking at, just in Maine, 700 to 1,000 residential, commercial, and multifamily properties that have been purchased by Chinese criminal organizations for the purposes of exploiting trafficked human labor to grow cannabis and sell to Americans."

Robinson elaborates on the sophisticated methods employed by these cartels to launder money and evade detection, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in combating such entrenched criminal networks.

Steve Robinson: "They're very clever about how they launder money, about how they move illicit marijuana around the United States and how they acquire property and how they organize these businesses."

The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a more robust and nuanced response from federal and state authorities to address the infiltration and influence of foreign criminal organizations within American communities.

4. Epstein Files and the Demand for Transparency

Timestamp: [14:21]

The conversation briefly touches upon the Jeffrey Epstein case, with Beck expressing frustration over perceived government opacity and mishandling of the situation.

Glenn Beck: "We want the answers to the Epstein files. But these things are going to kill us a lot faster than that, that has to be solved."

Sen. Eric Schmidt acknowledges the complexity of the case and the importance of protecting victims while advocating for the release of crucial information.

Eric Schmidt: "The American people deserve to know more information than they're getting. We've got to be careful... there are victims."

The exchange highlights the broader theme of distrust in governmental institutions and the persistent demand among conservatives for greater accountability and transparency in high-profile legal cases.

5. Legislative Process and Political Strategy

Timestamp: [22:27]

Throughout the episode, both Schmidt and Roy discuss the legislative strategies necessary to advance their agendas. Chip Roy emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the Republican ranks to ensure the passage of key bills.

Chip Roy: "We have to keep forcing the hand... with all due respect, and so some of us objected."

Eric Schmidt underscores the procedural challenges and the necessity of swift action within the constrained timeframes imposed by existing statutes.

Eric Schmidt: "Under the statute enacted in the 70s... the President can basically through a previously appropriated fund, send a rescissions message to the Congress and then Congress has 45 days to act on it. That 45 days runs on Friday."

The discussion reflects the intricate dance of legislative maneuvering required to enact significant policy changes amid partisan resistance and procedural hurdles.

6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Initiatives

Timestamp: [24:15]

As the episode nears its conclusion, Schmidt announces the release of his new book, "The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court", which chronicles his experiences and strategies in fighting liberal policies through the judicial system.

Eric Schmidt: "It's really lessons learned on how conservatives... we have a new playbook now. We gotta be tough. We gotta go to court and we gotta win."

He also mentions his ongoing legal battles and legislative efforts to curb federal overreach, asserting confidence in the current administration's ability to uphold conservative principles.

Glenn Beck reiterates his support for Schmidt's initiatives and the broader conservative movement, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts and community support in driving legislative and societal change.

Glenn Beck: "This is one place that I agree with President Trump. I want the answers to the Epstein files... these things must be solved today."

Key Takeaways

• Cryptocurrency Regulation: The GOP is advancing legislation to regulate digital currencies, balancing regulation with concerns over potential government overreach and the establishment of a CBDC.

• Federal Budget Rescissions: Republican efforts to cut $9 billion in federal spending continue, targeting programs like NPR, PBS, and various USAID initiatives deemed unnecessary.

• Criminal Infiltration in Maine: Chinese drug cartels are increasingly infiltrating rural Maine, using sophisticated methods to launder money and engage in illicit activities, posing significant challenges for law enforcement.

• Demand for Transparency: There is a strong call among conservatives for greater transparency and accountability in high-profile legal cases, exemplified by the Epstein investigation.

• Legislative Strategy: Navigating the legislative process requires strategic unity within the GOP and timely action to overcome procedural hurdles and partisan resistance.

• Conservative Empowerment: Initiatives like Senator Schmidt's upcoming book aim to equip conservatives with the tools and strategies necessary to effectively counter liberal policies through the judicial system.

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a comprehensive overview of pressing issues within American politics, highlighting the ongoing struggle between conservative principles and perceived liberal overreach. Through candid discussions and expert insights from Senator Eric Schmidt and Representative Chip Roy, the program underscores the importance of legislative action, transparency, and community engagement in shaping the nation's future.