Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program Episode: "Why Trump's New Agenda Gives Glenn 'a Thrill Up His Leg'"
Guests: Clint Brown & Carol Roth
Air Date: November 13, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Stu Burguiere engages in a spirited discussion with Glenn Beck and guest Carol Roth about the implications of former President Donald Trump's new agenda. The conversation delves into Trump's ambitious plans to overhaul the federal government, the potential challenges he may face, and the broader political landscape shaping America's future.

Trump's New Agenda: Reducing Government Size

Stu Burguiere opens the discussion with unwavering optimism about Trump's presidency, likening his potential impact to that of Abraham Lincoln and Calvin Coolidge. He highlights Trump's proposal to establish a Department of Government Efficiency, aiming to cut federal workforce by half by systematically firing employees based on the parity of their Social Security numbers to avoid legal repercussions.

Stu Burguiere (04:16): "I think Donald Trump is becoming the greatest president to ever live... If he can accomplish this, I may put him up there with Lincoln."

Glenn Beck expresses enthusiasm for the idea but raises concerns about the practicality and ethical implications of random layoffs.

Glenn Beck (07:48): "Well, I love the idea of reducing the size of the government by half."

Stu counters by referencing Calvin Coolidge's successful government cuts in the 1920s, suggesting that aggressive reduction can lead to economic prosperity.

Stu Burguiere (08:43): "Remember, this is exactly what Calvin Coolidge did. He cut the federal workforce by half... and we got the Roaring twenties."

Innovation and Leadership: Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy

The conversation shifts to the involvement of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in Trump's agenda. Stu praises Musk's capability to implement swift changes, drawing parallels to his leadership at Tesla, while noting Ramaswamy's strategic approach to dismantling entrenched bureaucratic structures.

Stu Burguiere (10:46): "Because if there's anybody that can do it. Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy."

Glenn Beck underscores Musk's focus and lack of political aspirations, contrasting it with Ramaswamy's clear political motivations.

Glenn Beck (11:10): "They're both, I would think, especially Elon, because, you know, Vivek has pretty blatantly obvious political aspirations here."

Potential Challenges and Roadblocks

Despite the optimism, both hosts acknowledge significant obstacles. Legal challenges, Supreme Court decisions, and bureaucratic resistance are anticipated hurdles that could impede Trump's goals. The discussion also touches on the complexity of managing such a large-scale government reduction without destabilizing essential services.

Stu Burguiere (14:20): "There's going to be, there's going to be massive pushback. This is not going to be easy."

Glenn Beck (09:35): "I think there's just structural limitations that need to occur."

Senate Leadership Vote and Conservative Shift

Guest Carol Roth provides insights into the ongoing Senate leadership vote, highlighting a shift towards more conservative leadership within the Republican conference. Roth explains how senators are rallying behind candidates like Rick Scott and JD Vance, indicating a move away from establishment figures like John Thune and Mitch McConnell.

Carol Roth (69:42): "So what's going to happen today is they're voting this morning on who's going to be the next Senate leader."

Roth emphasizes that this shift is a response to growing frustration among conservatives, aiming to align Senate leadership more closely with Trump's agenda.

Carol Roth (71:19): "So what does that tell you is the conference, the Republican conference, has moved the way of conservatives..."

Media Critique: CNN Salaries and Star Performers

The hosts critique the media, specifically focusing on CNN's exorbitant salaries for anchors like Anderson Cooper and Aaron Burnett. They argue that such high compensation is unjustified, especially in the wake of declining viewership and the network's struggle to maintain relevance.

Stu Burguiere (49:04): "You could argue Caitlin Collins has had some buzz around her in her life. Erin Burnett has never had a moment of that. And she's making six a year."

Glenn Beck (49:22): "You can't support that."

The discussion extends to the perceived disconnect between media executives and their audiences, suggesting that inflated salaries do little to address the core issues plaguing news networks.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Stu Burguiere and Glenn Beck reiterate their support for Trump's transformative agenda while acknowledging the significant challenges ahead. Guest Carol Roth reinforces the necessity of strategic planning and resilient leadership to navigate the complexities of government overhaul.

Stu Burguiere (103:18): "You have to make these cuts at the same time... and we have to also manage through the potential inflation that has been... hidden and pushed out by the existing administration."

Carol Roth (107:12): "We need somebody really savvy... We have a path forward."

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with hosts expressing faith in Trump's ability to fulfill his mandate despite the formidable obstacles that lie ahead.

Notable Quotes:

• Stu Burguiere (04:16): "I think Donald Trump is becoming the greatest president to ever live..."
• Glenn Beck (07:48): "Well, I love the idea of reducing the size of the government by half."
• Stu Burguiere (08:43): "Remember, this is exactly what Calvin Coolidge did..."
• Carol Roth (69:42): "So what's going to happen today is they're voting this morning on who's going to be the next Senate leader."
• Mic detailed on media salaries and Senate leadership.

This comprehensive discussion sheds light on the ambitious strategies proposed by Trump and his allies to reshape the American government and economy, while also addressing the internal dynamics of the Republican Party and the critical stance towards mainstream media practices.