Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program Episode: Secret Service Vet WARNS Trump STILL in Danger Before Inauguration
Guests: Senator Mike Lee & Alan Dershowitz
Release Date: December 10, 2024

I. Introduction

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck delves into pressing national security concerns surrounding former President Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration. The episode features insightful conversations with former Secret Service Special Agent Richard Starapoli, renowned legal scholar Alan Dershowitz, and Senator Mike Lee. Additionally, archaeological revelations in Jerusalem are discussed, highlighting their significance to biblical history.

II. Secret Service's Protection of Donald Trump

Guest: Richard Starapoli
Timestamp Highlights: 04:35 – 19:56

Glenn Beck opens the episode with a critical examination of the Secret Service's preparedness in safeguarding Donald Trump. He is joined by Richard Starapoli, a seasoned former Secret Service agent and former Department of Homeland Security Chief Information Officer.

Key Discussions:

• Deficiencies in Protection: Starapoli emphasizes the Secret Service's shortcomings in protecting Trump, citing multiple incidents where potential threats were inadequately handled. (05:06)

• Resource Allocation Bias: There is a concerning disparity in protection resources, with the Secret Service allocating significant resources to protect members of the Biden administration while neglecting Trump's safety. Starapoli points out that this misallocation leaves Trump vulnerable to organized threats. (08:49)

• Lack of Advanced Countermeasures: The conversation highlights the absence of critical security measures such as military jets and advanced countermeasures for Trump's aircraft, potentially exposing him to missile or drone attacks. (11:47)

• Potential Solutions: Starapoli advocates for the appointment of a competent leader with both law enforcement experience and business acumen to overhaul the Secret Service. He offers his expertise to assist in this revamp. (16:48 – 19:20)

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Starapoli:
  "The Secret Service has not fulfilled their primary mission. They've allowed way too many things to happen that could have ended in total tragedy." (05:22)

• Glenn Beck:
  "The president's plane does not have countermeasures. That's correct." (11:48)

• Richard Starapoli:
  "The military assets need to be turned on. And who can turn them on? President Joe Biden. But he's not going to do that." (12:21)

III. Legal Perspectives on Pardon Powers and High-Profile Cases

Guest: Alan Dershowitz
Timestamp Highlights: 49:15 – 62:58

Alan Dershowitz, a distinguished Harvard Law School professor emeritus and renowned legal commentator, joins Glenn Beck to discuss the controversial use of presidential pardon powers and high-profile legal cases, including the Daniel Penny incident.

Key Discussions:

• Presidential Pardon Authority: Dershowitz provides an in-depth analysis of the constitutional basis for the presidential pardon power, referencing Federalist Paper No. 74 by Alexander Hamilton. He underscores its intended role as a check against excessive punishment and judicial overreach. (50:16 – 51:04)

• Critique of Blanket Pardons: Addressing recent events, Dershowitz criticizes President Biden's prospective pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent by granting immunity for future, uncharged crimes. (60:32 – 61:18)

• Impact on Legal Proceedings: The discussion touches on how such pardons could impede congressional investigations and legal accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional principles. (73:43 – 75:12)

• Free Speech and Legal Boundaries: Earlier in the conversation, Dershowitz and Beck discuss the limits of free speech, particularly in instances that may incite violence, referencing landmark cases and the Brandenburg test. (52:16 – 54:36)

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Dershowitz:
  "The pardon power, as you said in your introduction, why do we have it... it's the only remnant of the British rule over the United States." (60:32)

• Alan Dershowitz:
  "Look, I agree with you, and it's been part of politics for a long, long time. I think Trump has a place in his heart, a warm spot in his heart for the Biden family." (62:38)

• Glenn Beck:
  "We cannot have people selling the power of the office." (61:42)

IV. Archaeological Discoveries in the City of David

Guest: Zev Orenstein
Timestamp Highlights: 90:37 – 108:31

Zev Orenstein, Director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation, discusses groundbreaking archaeological findings that substantiate biblical narratives. The conversation sheds light on the historical and religious significance of Jerusalem's City of David.

Key Discussions:

• Historical Significance: Orenstein elaborates on the City of David's role as the ancient heart of Jerusalem, revealing that many biblical sites are indeed backed by archaeological evidence. (91:27 – 97:14)

• Controversies and Challenges: The excavation faces challenges, including resistance from certain groups aiming to suppress Jewish and Christian heritage. The dialogue addresses the delicate balance between modern-day populations and the preservation of ancient history. (94:07 – 95:06)

• Biblical Corroboration: Significant discoveries, such as inscriptions referring to King David and prophets like Isaiah, provide tangible proof of biblical events and figures. (112:00 – 114:58)

• Ark of the Covenant: The potential discovery and the implications of finding the Ark of the Covenant are discussed, emphasizing its religious importance and the safeguards likely required for such a discovery. (115:19 – 117:50)

Notable Quotes:

• Zev Orenstein:
  "Every single day, we're unearthing antiquities... that show... Jerusalem's biblical heritage is true." (97:14)

• Zev Orenstein:
  "The story of Israel, the significance of the Bible... cannot be put in the museum because... there's no end date. It's still relevant." (122:14)

• Zev Orenstein:
  "We need to know for purposes of posterity, for purposes of knowing what to look out for in the future. We need to have answers to that." (80:15)

V. The Impact of Presidential Pardons on Governance and Accountability

Guest: Senator Mike Lee
Timestamp Highlights: 69:05 – 81:18

Senator Mike Lee engages in a critical dialogue about the misuse of the presidential pardon power, its historical context, and its ramifications on political transparency and accountability.

Key Discussions:

• Historical Context of Pardons: Senator Lee references Alexander Hamilton’s explanations in the Federalist Papers to underscore the intended purpose of pardons as a check against judicial excesses. (71:22 – 72:31)

• Modern-Day Applications: The conversation scrutinizes President Biden’s actions, particularly the prospective pardon of Hunter Biden, and its implications for legal proceedings and political integrity. (73:08 – 75:12)

• Legislative Oversight: Lee advocates for congressional investigations into the pardoning process, asserting the necessity for transparency and accountability in executive actions. (75:44 – 78:01)

• Declassification and Transparency: The discussion also touches on the need for declassification of government documents to prevent the misuse of power and to ensure public access to information. (77:56 – 78:25)

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Mike Lee:
  "This Makes it very easy for us now to issue a subpoena and hold hearings... including things about his business operations and any business relationship he had with the Big Guy." (73:43)

• Senator Mike Lee:
  "The American people need and deserve to know what has gone on in their own government and what those files say." (80:58)

• Senator Mike Lee:
  "As a president gets elected, the president has a certain mandate and there's a time-honored practice of deferring in most instances to the President's choices." (78:25)

VI. Conclusion

Glenn Beck wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of ongoing investigations and transparency within the government to uphold constitutional values and protect American interests. The discussions underscore the critical need for robust security measures, responsible use of pardon powers, and the affirmation of historical truths through archaeological endeavors.

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