As Part of the Fight Against Human Trafficking, Painter Creates ‘Underground Railroad’

December 14, 2017

Writer

Utah-based painter Jon McNaughton joined Glenn today to talk about “The Underground Railroad,” a painting commissioned by the Liberty89 Foundation on behalf of modern-day abolitionists who fight human trafficking.

Operation Underground Railroad Rescues Nine Girls Being Pimped by Their High School Teacher

“He paints these amazing paintings that tell stories,” Glenn described McNaughton’s work. “Stories of where we are as people.”

The detailed painting portrays “abolitionists of yesterday and today,” including some of the undercover Operation Underground Railroad operatives who fight modern-day slavery. All profits from sales of the painting will go toward the fight to end human trafficking.

GLENN: So I have to tell you, I'm -- I am -- I'm uncomfortable with this next -- with this next interview in some ways, and I think you'll understand once you hear what it is.

But John McNaughton is an artist. He is -- has been controversial over the last few years. But he -- he -- he paints these amazing paintings that tell stories. Tell stories of, you know, where we are as people. And he ties history and current events together. You'll recognize his paintings the minute you see them.

He's just done a painting that OUR did not request. It wasn't a commission. Because it's made all of us -- we're really flattered, but also really uncomfortable. He's made this painting, and he has made it and donated it to raise funds to help out the -- the stop of slavery around the world.

And it is the -- the modern day abolitionist side by side with the original abolitionists in a very powerful painting.

And welcome to the program, John McNaughton. How are you, sir?

JOHN: Hi, Glenn, I'm good. Thank you.

GLENN: I hope you don't take my -- I don't even know how to explain this. I guess my shyness on this as an insult. I'm honored that you would paint this and even include me in this. But it's really awkward.

JOHN: Yes, I know. You know, Tim Ballard told me that you would feel that way. HEP he told me 100 percent. You don't have the spotlight, but you're in there.

GLENN: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So Tony Robbins is in there. Mike Tomlin from the Steelers is in there. Montel Williams. Mia Love. Ashton Kutcher is there. Albert Pools is there. Eric Metaxas. HEP it's some of the really great people of our day.

STU: And Glenn as well. Glenn as well. So all the great people, plus Glenn.

GLENN: Yes. And I'm on the edge, so you can kind of airbrush me out of this.

So what was your inspiration? And tell me about why you did it.

JOHN: Yeah, sure. Someone who is friends with Tim Ballard was talking to me one day about the organization. And I had never heard about it before. And as he explained it to me, you know, I had this image in my mind, kind of where I saw this rescuer, or line of rescuers, you know, carrying children, walking down the tracks, you know, the underground railroad. And on both sides of the tracks, you had different abolitionists holding their lamps, guiding away. And I was just really taken by the idea.

And I thought, you know, this could actually be a project that could help the cause to save children. And, you know, I always tried to do paintings that I think will make a difference. But this one, I mean, to save a child, it was overwhelming. And so I just started painting it. And after I had gotten so far, my friends who knew Tim Ballard contacted them. And then from there, Tim gave me a lot of his suggestions of who should be in the painting.

GLENN: So we have just partnered with Tim Ballard. In case you're listening and don't know who Tim Ballard is, we've just partnered with the Nazarene Fund. We've been a partner. We raised the original money to open up, you know, Operation Underground Railroad, rescue our children.

It is a worldwide effort to stop slavery. And he is now the CEO of the Nazarene Fund as well.

And we are going to start going in, in a big way, next year. Rescuing slaves in the Middle East. These Christians that have just been left to die by the rest of the world. To live be sure life in slavery. And we're going to really double down and start rescuing them next year.

It's quite an amazing thing that's going on.

When you were picking -- when when you were picking the people -- the modern day -- or, I'm sorry, the earlier -- the original abolitionists.

JOHN: Yeah.

GLENN: How did you decide who would be in there?

JOHN: Well, we just looked at the history of, you know, abolitionists in the past and people who had interesting stories. And talking with Tim, he said, oh, you have to have this person. You got to have this person. And, you know, some of the names I recognized. A lot of them I didn't. People like William Wilberforce, you know, I remember seeing him in the movie Amazing Grace, you know, his story. But there was this woman named Harriet Jacobs that I had never heard of that had this remarkable story that Tim told me about. I think they only learned about her in the last six, seven years. And so she's in the picture. And just a lot of different stories that I just didn't know about. And they have an e- book that comes with the painting where people can learn all the details of each person in the picture and why they're there. It's pretty amazing.

GLENN: So you can buy it at ourpainting.org. Our painting.org.

How many of these are you selling or how much are they?

JOHN: They start at $29. And then they go up. You can get a nice framed one. And 100 percent of all the profits, everything is going to rescue children. And Tim told me it takes about $2,000 to rescue a child and to help rehabilitate them and go through that process.

And so we're hoping that we can just sell a lot of these prints and to -- to -- to rescue, you know, thousands of children, if we can.

GLENN: Well, I know that you left Tony Robbins in disguise because he goes on operations in disguise. And he thanks you. I wish you would have painted a beard on me to disguise me as well. It's an honor to have been thought of as part of that. And I tell Tim all the time, and he hates when I say this, I do believe that they're going to build statues of him someday because of the work that he has done. He is changing -- he is the modern day abolitionist for sure. And I sure appreciate your help. Thank you, John, so much.

STU: And, John, we really appreciate your efforts to not only stop slavery in the world, but also your efforts to make Glenn feel uncomfortable.

GLENN: Thank you. Thank you.

JOHN: I do my best.

GLENN: Well, thank you. You did a good job. John McNaughton. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. You see the painting and purchase the painting. It would be a good Christmas gift.

You might want to frame it in a little bit. There's some shady characters on the outside of it. But ourpainting.org. Ourpainting.org. All of the proceeds go to help rescue slaves all around the world, including the Middle East and the Nazarene Fund.

Silent genocide exposed: Are christians being wiped out in 2025?

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

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.

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