Glenn on the US Conflict With North Korea: 'Neither Side Can Back Down'

What’s happening with North Korea, and how should the U.S. respond? Glenn Beck talked about the latest missile test from Kim Jong Un on Wednesday’s “The Glenn Beck Radio Program,” saying, “This is far more grave than anything I have seen in my lifetime.”

North Korea appears to be prioritizing testing their missile technology over testing nuclear weapons. Glenn wondered if the reason is because their nuclear weapons are ready to go. Because North Korea is technologically inferior and works underground, we would have to place people physically in the country to spy and find out what’s happening.

Russia and China immediately responded to the tests yesterday to tell the U.S. and South Korea to stop testing in exchange for North Korea supposedly stopping their nuclear program. But since North Korea already has nuclear weapons, shuttering the program would be a meaningless gesture.

“Neither side can back down, and the world is now preparing for what comes next,” Glenn said.

President Donald Trump tweeted early Wednesday morning about trade between China and North Korea growing, saying, “So much for China working with us --- but we had to give it a try!”

“If you read between the lines, this tweet looks like a justification,” Glenn said. The tweet appeared to indicate to the world that the U.S. has exhausted diplomatic measures and needs to use military force to respond to North Korea.

To see more from Glenn, visit his channel on TheBlaze and listen live to “The Glenn Beck Radio Program” with Glenn Beck, Pat Gray, Stu Burguiere and Jeffy Fisher weekdays 9 a.m.–noon ET on TheBlaze Radio Network.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on TheBlaze.com.

GLENN: All right. So North Korea appears to be prioritizing testing their missile technology over the actual nuclear tests.

We're wondering if that is because they've got the nukes all ready to go. We're not sure. This is the question that President Trump is now facing --

PAT: How can we be so unsure? With the technology we have --

GLENN: Zero.

PAT: Supposedly we can see a license plate from space and read what's in somebody's pocket from there.

GLENN: This is all underground --

PAT: We can't figure out --

GLENN: This is all underground. And they're so technologically inferior to us, that it's like -- you have to go on the ground, to be able to find it. We don't have the human assets anymore. We don't spy that way anymore. We do everything digitally. So everything being underground and no human assets on the ground, I mean, how do we --

PAT: Maybe that's the problem. Why don't we -- we should maybe have some human assets on the ground. Right?

GLENN: Yeah. I would think so.

PAT: The United States of America --

JEFFY: Other than Dennis Rodman.

PAT: Yeah, other than Dennis Rodman.

GLENN: So what has been the world's response? This is where it gets really dicey.

Russia and China immediately responded to the test yesterday with a call for South Korea and the US to halt all military exercises in return for North Korea's abandonment of their nuclear program.

Two problems with this: North Korea doesn't have a program anymore. They have nuclear weapons, and they're not going to give the weapons up to anyone.

Two, Russia and China see the writing on the wall now. They know what is about to happen. And they are now positioning themselves to portray United States as the aggressive warmonger that refused any diplomatic solution. They are setting up a diplomatic trap. And we know it.

So what's going to happen? Well, neither side can back down. And the world is now preparing for what comes next.

So what actually does come next? This was the case in the 1950s. This is what got us here, beginning in the 1950s. And China holds the key. The only thing that will make Kim Jong-un back down is heavy economic sanctions and a full-on oil embargo. If China says no trade, it's over for him. And only China can do it.

Unfortunately, the president just tweeted this at 4:00 a.m. this morning: Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40 percent in the first quarter of this year. So much for China working with us. But we had to give it a try.

STU: Well, because he had tweeted the opposite just a couple weeks ago. Where he was saying they tried and it worked.

GLENN: Yep. And at the dinner, he said that we've made a lot of progress.

STU: Yeah, yeah.

GLENN: So let's assume there's some strategy here. What does saying something like that politically accomplish? If you read between the lines, this tweet looks like a justification. This tweet looks like the president telling the world, the United States has exhausted all non-military options. That the key to a peaceful solution ran through China. And China refused to play ball. He's setting them up to be the fall guy, while they are setting us up to be the fall guy.

All signs now point to a military resolution. South Korea and the United States responded to the ICBM test with a military exercise last night, firing surface-to-surface missiles into the ocean. It was a message to Kim Jong-un that a preemptive strike is now looming. If China decides to cooperate, the war can be stopped. If North Korea backs down, the war can be stopped. If the United States agrees to halt military cooperation with South Korea, the war can be stopped. But are any of these realistic?

PAT: No.

GLENN: It is beginning to look like war with North Korea is becoming more and more of a real option. And we are entering now the endgame stage with North Korea.

So you know, this is far more grave than anything I have seen in my lifetime. This is -- this is the possibility of being millions dead and a good possibility.

This is -- if it -- if it begins, thousands will be dead within hours. And if it drags on, millions will be dead. There is no winner in this, and it could drag the entire world into a third world war. And with Russia and China standing on the side of North Korea, that's disturbing.

STU: Yeah, because really the only thing, you know, that pops into mind, in recent -- relatively recent history is the Cold War, where that was really the thought all the time, where you could have millions and millions dead.

GLENN: And that stopped us.

STU: Yeah. I mean, I don't know what you do here, to be honest. Because, yeah, you can put more sanctions on them.

GLENN: Without China and Russia, it won't happen.

STU: At least they won't have roads and electricity anyway in the country. So I don't know -- they're already all starving. So...

GLENN: And the people -- the people blame us. I mean, the people have been raised, since the 1950s, that all of their problems are being caused by the United States. That their starvation is because of the United States. Their lack of medical care, if they even understand that, because they're so far in the Dark Ages on that, is caused by the United States. That the point of all suffering for their people is the United States of America.

And it is why Kim Jong-un has -- has distanced himself from his father, Kim Jong-il, and gone to his grandfather. Got the same haircut. Does the same stuff. Speaks the same way. Has the same photos taken. Does the same rituals. Everything. To image himself as his grandfather and not his father. Because his grandfather was the great hope of South Korea -- or, North Korea. And Kim Jong-un is trying to image himself as the new great hope that's going to take them through the next wave of hell and remain victorious on the other side like his grandfather.

It's -- it's -- now that they have nuclear weapons and an ICBM and we know they're not afraid to use it.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?  

Should Starbase become its own city?  

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Did Trump's '51st state' jab just cost Canada its independence?

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Did Canadians just vote in their doom?

On April 28, 2025, Canada held its federal election, and what began as a promising conservative revival ended in a Liberal Party regroup, fueled by an anti-Trump narrative. This outcome is troubling for Canada, as Glenn revealed when he exposed the globalist tendencies of the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. On a recent episode of his podcast, Glenn hosted former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who provided insight into Carney’s history. She revealed that, as governor of the Bank of England, Carney contributed to the 2022 pension crisis through policies that triggered excessive money printing, leading to rampant inflation.

Carney’s election and the Liberal Party’s fourth consecutive victory spell trouble for a Canada already straining under globalist policies. Many believed Canadians were fed up with the progressive agenda when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned amid plummeting public approval. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, started 2025 with a 25-point lead over his Liberal rivals, fueling optimism about his inevitable victory.

So, what went wrong? How did Poilievre go from predicted Prime Minister to losing his own parliamentary seat? And what details of this election could cost Canada dearly?

A Costly Election

Mark Carney (left) and Pierre Poilievre (right)

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The election defied the expectations of many analysts who anticipated a Conservative win earlier this year.

For Americans unfamiliar with parliamentary systems, here’s a brief overview of Canada’s federal election process. Unlike U.S. presidential elections, Canadians do not directly vote for their Prime Minister. Instead, they vote for a political party. Each Canadian resides in a "riding," similar to a U.S. congressional district, and during the election, each riding elects a Member of Parliament (MP). The party that secures the majority of MPs forms the government and appoints its leader as Prime Minister.

At the time of writing, the Liberal Party has secured 169 of the 172 seats needed for a majority, all but ensuring their victory. In contrast, the Conservative Party holds 144 seats, indicating that the Liberal Party will win by a solid margin, which will make passing legislation easier. This outcome is a far cry from the landslide Conservative victory many had anticipated.

Poilievre's Downfall

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What caused Poilievre’s dramatic fall from front-runner to losing his parliamentary seat?

Despite his surge in popularity earlier this year, which coincided with enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s inauguration, many attribute the Conservative loss to Trump’s influence. Commentators argue that Trump’s repeated references to Canada as the "51st state" gave Liberals a rallying cry: Canadian sovereignty. The Liberal Party framed a vote for Poilievre as a vote to surrender Canada to U.S. influence, positioning Carney as the defender of national independence.

Others argue that Poilievre’s lackluster campaign was to blame. Critics suggest he should have embraced a Trump-style, Canada-first message, emphasizing a balanced relationship with the U.S. rather than distancing himself from Trump’s annexation remarks. By failing to counter the Liberal narrative effectively, Poilievre lost momentum and voter confidence.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Canada, with far-reaching implications for its sovereignty and economic stability. As Glenn has warned, Carney’s globalist leanings could align Canada more closely with international agendas, potentially at the expense of its national interests. Canadians now face the challenge of navigating this new political landscape under a leader with a controversial track record.

Top FIVE takeaways from Glenn's EXCLUSIVE interview with Trump

Image courtesy of the White House

As President Trump approaches his 100th day in office, Glenn Beck joined him to evaluate his administration’s progress with a gripping new interview. April 30th is President Trump's 100th day in office, and what an eventful few months it has been. To commemorate this milestone, Glenn Beck was invited to the White House for an exclusive interview with the President.

Their conversation covered critical topics, including the border crisis, DOGE updates, the revival of the U.S. energy sector, AI advancements, and more. Trump remains energized, acutely aware of the nation’s challenges, and determined to address them.

Here are the top five takeaways from Glenn Beck’s one-on-one with President Trump:

Border Security and Cartels

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Early in the interview, Glenn asked if Trump views Mexico as a failed narco-state. While Trump avoided the term, he acknowledged that cartels effectively control Mexico. He noted that while not all Mexican officials are corrupt, those who are honest fear severe repercussions for opposing the cartels.

Trump was unsurprised when Glenn cited evidence that cartels are using Pentagon-supplied weapons intended for the Mexican military. He is also aware of the fentanyl influx from China through Mexico and is committed to stopping the torrent of the dangerous narcotic. Trump revealed that he has offered military aid to Mexico to combat the cartels, but these offers have been repeatedly declined. While significant progress has been made in securing the border, Trump emphasized that more must be done.

American Energy Revival

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Trump’s tariffs are driving jobs back to America, with the AI sector showing immense growth potential. He explained that future AI systems require massive, costly complexes with significant electricity demands. China is outpacing the U.S. in building power plants to support AI development, threatening America’s technological leadership.

To counter this, Trump is cutting bureaucratic red tape, allowing AI companies to construct their own power plants, potentially including nuclear facilities, to meet the energy needs of AI server farms. Glenn was thrilled to learn these plants could also serve as utilities, supplying excess power to homes and businesses. Trump is determined to ensure America remains the global leader in AI and energy.

Liberation Day Shakeup

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Glenn drew a parallel between Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and the historical post-World War II Liberation Day. Trump confirmed the analogy, explaining that his policy aims to dismantle an outdated global economic order established to rebuild Europe and Asia after the wars of the 20th century. While beneficial decades ago, this system now disadvantages the U.S. through job outsourcing, unfair trade deals, and disproportionate NATO contributions.

Trump stressed that America’s economic survival is at stake. Without swift action, the U.S. risks collapse, potentially dragging the West down with it. He views his presidency as a critical opportunity to reverse this decline.

Trouble in Europe

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When Glenn pressed Trump on his tariff strategy and negotiations with Europe, Trump delivered a powerful statement: “I don’t have to negotiate.” Despite America’s challenges, it remains the world’s leading economy with the wealthiest consumer base, making it an indispensable trading partner for Europe. Trump wants to make equitable deals and is willing to negotiate with European leaders out of respect and desire for shared prosperity, he knows that they are dependent on U.S. dollars to keep the lights on.

Trump makes an analogy, comparing America to a big store. If Europe wants to shop at the store, they are going to have to pay an honest price. Or go home empty-handed.

Need for Peace

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Trump emphasized the need to end America’s involvement in endless wars, which have cost countless lives and billions of dollars without a clear purpose. He highlighted the staggering losses in Ukraine, where thousands of soldiers die weekly. Trump is committed to ending the conflict but noted that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has been a challenging partner, constantly demanding more U.S. support.

The ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East are unsustainable, and America’s excessive involvement has prolonged these conflicts, leading to further casualties. Trump aims to extricate the U.S. from these entanglements.