RADIOFebruary 04, 2025

Why Trump SHOULD Dismantle USAID

President Trump has faced major backlash from the Left and media over his plan to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or at least merge parts of it with the State Department. But Glenn explains why Trump SHOULD either dismantle USAID entirely or let Secretary of State Marco Rubio clean house. This isn’t a “humanitarian aid” organization, Glenn explains. USAID is a CIA front and the reason why the rest of the world hates us. It has been used to influence regime change and force nations to embrace things like transgenderism and abortion. But if Elon Musk, DOGE, Trump, and Rubio succeed in reforming it or dismantling it, the America people are in for a good surprise!

Transcript

Below is a rush transcript that may contain errors

GLENN: All right. Let me tell you about what happened this weekend with DOGE.

This is something that was tucked beneath the political squabbles, and the Grammy night celebrity nonsense.

It is a story far more important than any of our daily distractions. And it makes me, oh, so very happy.

And you'll understand why, in a minute.

This story pulls the curtain back, on who really holds the reins of power in our country. I want to connect a few dots with you, here in the next 40 minutes, or so. We will talk about USAID.
We are going to talk about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and DOGE.

The Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE and the Trump team are battling it out with USAID. Okay? We cannot let Elon Musk see our books! We are not giving him. Really?

You run an aid program. What's so top secret that you can't let him see it?

This is about control, control over the flow of information, over government secrecy.

And, yes, control over your tax dollars.

So here's the story in a nutshell. In case you didn't know, USAID, the US agency for the International Development, had its Director of Security, Jonathan Voorhees and his deputy, Brian McGill, placed on administrative leave.

Why? Because they refused to grant access to security systems, and systems containing sensitive personnel files, security clearance information, even classified materials, to employees of DOGE.

When Voorhees and McGill said, no, you're not allowed to see any of this. That's when the DOGE team threatened to call in the US marshals. The US marshals over a bureaucratic disagreement? No. Uh-uh.

Remember, this is about something much, much bigger. It's about who controls the machinery of the government, when it comes to foreign influence.

Covert operations. And the shadow games, our government is playing overseas.

So let's start with USAID.

On paper, it sounds great. Right?

The US agency for international development. They're the folks who help develop countries, build schools. And fight diseases.

And support democracy.

First of all, I don't want to be in that business, as a government.

But if you've been paying attention, history will tell you something else.

It's well-known that USAID has been much more than an aid operation.

Since its inception in 1961 -- by the way, can you tell me anything that happened, you know, with the government and overseas, things that was good that happened in the '50s and '60s. Maybe the Peace Corps. Maybe the Peace Corps. But I doubt it.

USAID say covert CIA operation. They do covert black ops, all around the world.

And their money just comes in, and it just -- no. This is aid. Black hole.

Now, this is not a conspiracy theory. This is historic fact. In the Cold War, USAID funded cultural organizations. And student groups.

And agricultural projects. Uh-huh.

They were covers for intelligence gathering. And they have been accused of everything from influencing elections in foreign countries, to helping overthrow governments that didn't align with our interests. Do you want any country doing that?

Don't we have a big problem with other countries influencing our elections? How dare they! Uh-huh.

Black ops. Do you remember the Colour Revolutions in Europe? Yeah. Yeah.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that every employee at USAID is a covert operative. Most, I'm sure, good, decent people trying to do their jobs.

But the agency has always had a dual identity, part humanitarian, part shadow extension of US foreign policy through the CIA.

And that's really the part that I think is interesting here.

Because every nation knows, that this is a CIA front.

Except, the American people. We don't -- we don't know that apparently.

No, no. We're good. You know, it has billions of dollars, in black covert money, flowing through it.

We just -- we just don't know it. Because those with oversight. Can't see the records. President team has just been denied access.

Wait a minute. Who works for who?

This is an aid thing. What do you have that is so very top secret.

So here comes DOGE. The department of government efficiency.

Sounds pretty harmless. Yeah. Like a bunch of accountants, trying to balance the budget. That's all we're trying to do.

But those who are running black ops, know that DOGE has two agendas. And the president has made it very clear.

Yes. Cut the waste. Downsize the government.

But it also has another very specific mission. Except, this isn't a black op.

Again, this mission is right out in the open. Where all missions should be.

They -- their mission is not only to cut the budget.

But to break up the entrenched bureaucracies, that have been running Washington like their own personal fiefdoms.

Trump's goal was to drain the swamp. And DOGE is supposed to be one of the tools that is headed by Elon Musk, to drain that swamp.

Now, I personally like it for a couple of reasons. Elon Musk is one of the world's greatest minds. I mean, when he goes into his own companies, he sits with every employee for about five minutes.

And just says, what are you working on, this week.

And if they don't have something that he feels is really moving the company forward, you're not necessary.

You're fired. Okay.

He has a knack for cutting waste, and making companies more efficient and also coming up with some really good products.

He's a disrupter.

He doesn't do things like everyone else. He doesn't think like everybody else.

That's his strength. He advertise erupts industries. He challenges the norms.

And he's been a very public mission to expose and challenge what he sees as government overreach.

Whether it's with Twitter for X. Or even the critiques of regular agencies. Now, he can come in and look at these things and go, wait a minute.

This doesn't seem to be exactly, you know, what you're supposed to be doing. This is different. This isn't about posting memes and calling out the woke mind virus.

This is about accessing the very heart of the government's covert machinery.

That's what's happening with USAID because it's not about aid programs.

It's all about data. It's all about networks.

It's all about the hidden influence, that the US experts, you know, flex all around the world.

Including perhaps inside the United States, against their own people.

But we don't know. And now for the first time in decades, somebody from the outside of traditional power structures are -- are saying, huh.

What is it that you guys do here?

And guess what? The machine doesn't like it.

The people who have been running that machine, also don't like it. I want you to remember who was in charge of USAID. Does anybody remember?

Anybody. Bueller. Anybody?

Samantha Power. Now, Samantha Power. She's the wife of Harvard professor. Obama adviser.

And author of the really super important book called Nudge.

How to get people to do what you want them to do, without them knowing. Nudge.

So the wife of that guy, who I'm sure has nothing to do with nudging or dig do go anything like that.

Even though she was with the Biden -- or the Obama administration, forever! She didn't know anything about that.

GLENN: This is why John Voorhees and Brian McGill push back.

That's why they're risking their careers to say, no. You can't come in here. Because they weren't just protecting the files!

They were protecting the status quo. They're protecting a system that has operated in the shadows for decades, with that to no accountability to the American people!

And here's where it gets even more fascinating. The employees at USAID and across the federal bureaucracy, aren't just fighting to protect sensitive information.

They are fighting to protect their power. He's getting in to the roots now.

He's opening up to -- you know how Donald Trump is kind of like a -- a human hand grenade. I've said this to his face. You know, I think you're kind of like a human hand grenade.

What do you mean? Well, you're the greatest human hand grenade I've ever seen, don't get me wrong. You just kind of throw yourself into things, and then a wall comes down.

And then as the dust is settling, everybody goes, wait a minute.

What's on the other side of that wall? That's what's happening.

Except, this time they're not just lobbing grenades in. They know where it is.

Over the years, we've created this massive administrative state. Which is a fourth branch of government that nobody votes for. Wholly unconstitutional.

No one really controls it. You noticed that the people on Capitol hill, they're afraid of the intelligence agencies.

Hmm. So who is really boss then?

They operate with a level of secrecy, that would make our Founding Fathers roll in their graves.

This many of us state has been the gatekeeper of information.

Deciding who gets to know what.

Both here, at home.

And abroad.

Does the president even know?

So when Trump and Musk come knocking, knocking, knocking, at the door.

Trying to peak behind the curtain. The reaction is swift and fierce.

Because if they succeed, they'll manage to pull USAID's operations. And put it right under direct control of the State Department. Or even worse, in the public eye! They'll be held accountable for things!

We can't have that. It will expose decades of covert actions.

Questionable alliances.

The dark side of US foreign policy.

That has been hidden under the guise of aid.

It's why the rest of the world hates us.

Think about some of the crazy things we've done in the name of foreign aid.

We funneled money to warlords in Afghanistan.

We gave money to the Taliban.

Money to Gaza to prop up Hamas.

We've run guns to the Syrian groups ISIS, propped up dictators in Latin America. Even funded opposition groups in countries, where we wanted regime change all under the banner of freedom and democracy.

Again, this is why everybody hates the American government.

Her people see our influence as good and benevolent.

And sometimes, I think we are.

Other times, America is anything but!

So in exchange for our tax dollars, we've asked countries to change their laws. To accept abortion, in places where the people are morally outraged. We promote transgenderism in their schools.

We -- we tell them, that this is the enlightened way to go.

Otherwise, they lose their aid.

We force them to open their markets to multi-national corporations that sometimes don't have their best interests at heart. And we conduct military operations on their soil. You will do it our way. And yet, you don't know anything about it.

Most Americans don't have any idea. Because it's all wrapped up in the nice shiny package of humanitarian assistance.

So here's what happens if DOGE succeeds.

What happens if Musk and Trump manage to pry open the lid to this operation?

Well, for once, the bureaucrats lose control of one of their many hiding places.

Intelligence community loses one of its more useful tools.

And the American people might finally get to see just how much of their hard-earned money has been used, not to build schools or feed the hungry, but to manipulate foreign government and maintain our empire of influence. And here's the kicker.

This isn't about just the past. It is about the future. Because if Musk and Trump can break through this wall, it sets a precedent. It says no part of the government is beyond scrutiny of our elected officials.

And that tariffs people who have been running the show.

So what do we take away?

One, pay attention.

Stories like these are not bureaucratic squabbles.

This is the battlefront.

This is the battle line, right there, that will decide who actually runs the country.

We will see more on this, and the intelligence agencies are not going to like it.

So one thing I would take away from this is don't take any news story at face value, for a while.

There are many hiding places. And those who receive and use dark money for black ops are going to fight back.

Second, ask questions.

Continue to ask questions.

Why does USAID have classified systems that other government officials can't access?

Why is there so much resistance in an aid organization to transparency.

And third, remember the people that are screaming the loudest about protecting democracy are often the ones most afraid of the people actually seeing how the sausage gets made. So this isn't about USAID, DOGE, or even Trump or Musk.

It's about whether you have the right to know what our government is doing with your money.

Stay curious, America.

We will get to the bottom of this. But we have to be willing to go through the tough times, remain determined, and vigilant.

Are these SIGNS a war with Iran is about to begin?

The United States just made some major moves in the Middle East that usually indicate a war is about to begin. Is the US or Israel about to go to war with Iran? Glenn Beck and his head researcher Jason Buttrill discuss what we currently know.

Transcript

Below is a rush transcript that may contain errors

GLENN: Stu, do you have any idea what it's like?

Jason is up this week. And he is staying up at the ranch. Do you have any idea what it's like to have me and Jason in the same house for a week?

It's not a happy place.

STU: No. Many visions of global apocalypse have been discussed. Yeah.

GLENN: Yeah. Yeah.

I was working yesterday on what -- what's happening with Hamas and Hezbollah. I just finished the show.

What is happening on the streets of Los Angeles and everything else.

And I'm sitting there. I'm a little exhausted, and he comes up.

Have you heard the news? I'm like, no. What?

I think Israel will bomb the -- it could be tonight. It could be tonight.

Do you know what that means?

No. I don't think -- it means total collapse. It will be ugly.

Dogs and cats will be tearing each other's eyes out.

And it's very good. Very good possibility.

Kamala comes back. And she's the president of the United States.

It will be that bad, Glenn.

Okay. Thank you. And I'm not going to sleep.

STU: Sounds like a fun time. This is why you moved into the mountains, right?

GLENN: Yeah. It is. To get away from Jason.

STU: Right.

GLENN: Well, okay. Jason, take me to this.

Because yesterday, the government did some things that they don't ever do.

At least I haven't seen them do, unless war is pretty imminent.

Right?

JASON: Yes. Can I start with the maybe possible upside, before we freak everybody out.

GLENN: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

JASON: The possible upside, as we were watching the possible upsides yesterday, so was Iran. So were their people.

Especially because the negotiations between us and the Iranians is still going on.

And, in fact, I think they're supposed to meet Sunday because the original ultimatum that Trump gave Iran was, I think it was 60 days. It's supposed to run out, I believe today. So this is the negotiation of negotiations. Like, this Sunday it's big.

GLENN: Okay. Okay. So this all might be Kabuki theater, to get them to the table.

JASON: You saw Trump.

Even Trump's interview. He's a master negotiator and strategist on this thing.

So this could be, hey. This is what you're playing with.

GLENN: He didn't give this to me, last night.

JASON: I have to save some --

GLENN: I was awake all night.

Yeah. Bits probably negotiation.

JASON: He was like Tania, give the food to the blind. Let's go!

GLENN: All right. So it might be, but do we make these things?

That's a master negotiator. That's an expensive move.

And a big move to pull everybody out of the embassies.

And to pull all of the families out. From the military bases?

JASON: Yes. Yes. So that is very big.

In a single 24-hour period, we had the Pentagon authorizing the voluntary withdrawal of dependents and family members from some of these locations within the Middle East. Almost immediately after that, another I don't know if you call this a leak or a release came out, that we were sending out emergency information, to all of the diplomatic facilities. Embassies, within striking range of Iran.

So you're talking about northeast Africa.

All of the Middle East. All those areas. Saying, put together a comprehensive emergency plan. And instead of diplomatic cable back to us, to let us know what that plan is.

Now, at this point, we were like, okay.

What exactly is going on?

Now, again, at the same time. We get senator cotton saying, that Pete Hegseth confirmed to them, inside Congress.

Saying that, okay.

Now Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.

Actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.

This guy said right after that, yes. For the first time the UN is admitting to us, that for the first time in 20 years, Iran is just not -- they don't care about any of the proliferation, anything.

They're just going all out.

GLENN: Good! That's good.

JASON: This was all spewing out immediately, within 12 hours.

GLENN: Stu. Help me.

STU: You've already run away outside of all civilization. I don't know what more help you can get.

GLENN: Is there a shovel?

I can tunnel in -- you know, remember when -- what was it, the dwarves?

You know, they tunneled into that mountain. In one of the Lord of the Rings thing.

They were in that mountain with the dragon and stuff.

I think we can do that. Get some shovels. Let's go.

Let's go.

So I know you were up. Until the sun rose, in Tehran.

Because you were monitoring it.

Because you were waiting for the skies to light up.

JASON: Yeah.

GLENN: I said this morning, if there is a strike, it will happen after the stock market closes on Friday.

Because this would cause massive disruption.

And let's just talk about first, before we get into what the response would be. And what we would have to do.

And what other countries would have to do.

When Israel goes over, they're saying, they will bomb the nuclear facilities.

But we don't think they have enough to build a bomb yet.

But there's a chance.

And if they don't get all of it, it's real trouble!

GLENN: Yeah, you best not miss.

There's multiple, multiple nuclear sites within Iran. Just off the top of my head, I can think of six to nine, I believe, that they would have to at least have some kind of strike on.

Some of the facilities are so well-entrenched, because they've been playing this for a long time.

And to defend specifically against an attack like this, they're so dug under the ground and protected and hardened.

You're probably talking about multiple strikes, at a single target.

GLENN: Right.

JASON: So it's not like a single strike.

GLENN: This is like -- in a way, it's kind of like Top Gun 2.

Where they were going after, and they had to -- you know, they had to first land a bomb. And another one had to fall into that hole. Right?

Because it was all buried so deeply. This is going to be precision stuff.

JASON: Precision stuff. Top Gun 2. But probably spread over a week of multiple dangerous runs.

GLENN: Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.

JASON: Yeah. It's more than a single night operation. It will go on for several days.

GLENN: Oh, my gosh.

Okay. So now, how's Iran respond?

JASON: That's the question.

GLENN: Yeah.

JASON: And immediately counterattack. With a strike like what we saw. What was that a month ago?

Something similar to that. Just to start. Then the scary stuff happens.

GLENN: Okay. So let's get into that here in just a second.

Also, I want to talk to you about what's happening in New York, on the medical front.

And governor Hochul. What she's -- I mean, it's -- it is amazing how dark the left can go.

Be the light.

The TRUTH about “Trump’s military parade”

The media and Democratic politicians like California Gov. Gavin Newsom have lied about the June 14th military parade in Washington, DC. They claim Trump is throwing the parade for his birthday, like a dictator. But U.S. Chief of Protocol Ambassador Monica Crowley joins Glenn Beck to make the truth CLEAR: The only purpose of this parade is to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which happens to fall on Trump’s birthday.

Transcript

Below is a rush transcript that may contain errors

GLENN: Monica Crowley. Good friend of the program. Good friend. How are you, Monica?

MONICA: Hey, Glenn, I'm so great. I am sitting in Washington, DC. And I'm so blessed and honored to be serving as ambassador.

And chief of protocol of the United States under the leadership of president Donald J. Trump.

It's really extraordinary.

Glenn, I think we spoke with -- during President Trump's first term. When I was serving at the treasury department.

The vibe this time, is completely different.

Not just across the administration.

But across Washington, DC. It's like a new day has dawned.

GLENN: So you are the ambassador, I mean, that is so cool.

And the chief of protocol.

What -- what does that mean, exactly?

MONICA: Well, that is a very good question, a lot of people are asking me that question.

It does come with -- I'm now master Monica Crowley.

I did have to go to Senate confirmation to achieve this position, and chief of protocol essentially helps to manage all of the presidents, the vice presidents, and the Secretary of States's diplomatic engagements.

The chief of protocol, myself. Handles the president and the vice president.

And then my extraordinary team, at protocol, usually handles the State Department. And the secretary's diplomatic engagement.

But what we really tried to do is create the most welcoming, incredible environment, so that -- those principles can engage in the most robust, effective diplomacy possible for the United States.

GLENN: So your job would be, no.

That does not mean reset in Russian.

Or no. It wouldn't be appropriate to give all your speeches on DVDs to the queen?

That would be the chief of protocol's --

GLENN: Yes, I would intervene before that red button that was just translated, Glenn. Being given to the Russian foreign prime minister. Yes, that would be.

GLENN: Good. Good. Good.

Okay. So I can't believe what they're saying about Donald Trump. That everybody is saying, this is about his birthday.

What part of the 250th anniversary of America do people not get? This is the 250th birthday, on the day that happens to be his birthday.

But it is also the birthday of the U.S. Army.

It -- what part of that, don't they understand here?

MONICA: Well, they don't want to see the truth. Of course, they will take any cudgel even if they have to make one up and hammer Donald Trump with it. This happens to fall on the president's about right back door, which is very providential. And it also happens to fall on Flag Day. And I just want to make a bigger point about all of this, Glenn. Because you have been so extraordinary, in talking about America's exceptional history.

For years and years and years. And I know you've gotten entire warehouses, full of American historical pieces that are absolutely priceless. And invaluable.

GLENN: I do feel a little like Citizen Kane at times.

But go ahead.
(laughter)

MONICA: You are Citizen Kane, Glenn Beck.

But this is not about him.

And the bigger point about this.

The fact that all of this -- so the president is giving this big portfolio, to be his representative.

To these big US hosted events over the next couple of years.

Including America 250.

Including the FIFA World Cup happening next year.

Including the 2028 Olympic games happening, in we assume Los Angeles.

And it's providential that all of this is happening while Donald Trump is president.

GLENN: Yeah, it is.

MONICA: Because America first generation. The MAGA generation. We are the natural heirs to the revolutioner generation.

And, you know, the other day I was in the Oval Office with the president.

And we were talking. And he said, you know, Monica, in retrospect. 2020 has to happen this way.

And I said, yes, it did.

God knows what he's doing. It has to happen this way. Because to have President Trump preside over the semiquicentennial, which is a big word to say America's 250th birthday. Is just such a gift. Isn't it, Glenn?

It's a gift.

GLENN: It is. It is.

So let me ask you, we haven't done a military parade since I think George H.W. Bush did it with the end of the Gulf War. We don't see that very often.

What are we expecting?

What is this going to be like?

MONICA: So on Saturday, again June 14th in Washington, DC, the United States will commemorate 250 years of the U.S. Army's history, strength, service, and sacrifice with this extraordinary landmark celebration in Washington.

And I can tell you, Glenn, I was born on an Army Day. My father was U.S. Army. I was born in Arizona. So this means a lot to me, personally.

And I know to so many others, who are associated with, and -- and have served not just in the army, but across the military branches of service.

We will put on a grand military parade.

That will bring to life, 250 years of army history.

From the revolution, to today's cutting-edge technology.

So I encourage everybody to come out and see this parade.

Watch on TV. However you can observe this. Because it is going to be just massive. We're going to have historical reenactors. We are going to have restored military vehicles.

Precision flyovers.

Performances by elite military vans.

We will honor those who have served past and present.

Including wounded warriors and gold star families.

And we are going to have -- let me just tell you this.

Over 120 military vehicles, and artillery pieces, going back to the historic World War II era.

We will have Vietnam-era flyovers.

And we will have very cool F22 flyovers.

GLENN: Wow. I have to tell you -- wish -- this -- yeah. This is one thing that I wish I could be at. Thinks -- I think this is going to be extraordinary.

I would imagine the coverage will be different on Fox, than it would be on CNN.

But we'll -- we'll see.

The other thing I have to ask you. And I don't know if you can comment on this.

But I'm very concerned about this no kings thing. I mean, these are radicals, again.

And they have been planning something, all week. Have been planning it for quite some time.

And they decided to select Saturday, in Washington, to do these big protests. What are you expecting?

Any comment on that, if you can?

AARON: Well, peaceful protests are protected under the Constitution, and Karoline Leavitt made it clear, that peaceful protest, the president has no issue with. But if they veer into violence, they will be dealt with very harshly.

I can tell you, we're expecting countless people to descend on Washington, DC, for this parade this weekend. And if you want tickets, they're still available. America250.org.

America250.org. The tickets are free.

But you do have to register because of the security issue. Because obviously, the president is going to be president. But we are well aware of the potential for these kinds of protests, and this kind of activity.

So the -- America 250 commission is working hand-in-glove with the Department of Homeland Security with the US Secret Service.

With the park police, with the Department of the Interior. As will happen to all the events over the next year. To make sure that this is the safest, most secure event that you can attend.

So everybody will have to go through security.

And that's why we're making everybody register, at the website, if you want to attend.

Again, it's free.

But we want to ensure that this is a showcase, Glenn. For American leadership. Dynamism.

Military strength.

As well as, we're honoring those who have served.

Honoring the U.S. Army. Honoring the country. But we want to make sure that everybody will be safe and sound, attending this parade.

GLENN: I will tell you, that the left tried to do this, when I did that big event on the Lincoln memorial. We had about three or 400,000 people show up.

And right before, they made this big deal. That the -- that we had to up security. Because the panthers were going to show up.

And Al Sharpton's group. And all these lefties. The teacher's unions. They were all going to boycott.

They were all going to be there.

Our crowd was totally cool.

In fact, the Black Panthers walked through our crowd, trying to spark something. And everybody is like, hey, join us.

Just sit down. Come on.

Let's just watch. It's cool.

And they just gave up and walked away. But I really think they did that to try to suppress the numbers.

And if you -- if you are anywhere near the Washington, DC, area, you will not see anything like this again.

I mean, and it's our 250th.

You need to get your tickets and go.

Don't let them frighten you.

I have -- you know, when it comes to protection of our people.

I -- I tend to think that we might have that down.

Under this president.

But -- make sure --

MONICA: Yes, nobody does it better.

Nobody. And President Trump will not tolerate violence of any kind.

So, again, the website is America250.org for your free tickets.

He also will do one really cool thing at the end of the parade, Glenn. Of course, we will have fireworks, and the rest of it. But at the end of the parade, President Trump is going to preside over the live reenlistment of 250 U.S. Army soldiers, which is going to be an incredibly powerful symbol. And a visible reaffirmation of honor, respect, and duty.

Being restored to our armed forces. Thanks to President Trump.
(music)

GLENN: It's really great. It's really great. Monica, thank you so much. Just really appreciate it.

MONICA: Oh, it's my pleasure, as always, Glenn.

GLENN: God bless. You bet. Buh-bye. So it's America250.org. America250.org.

You know, its funny, because Biden put something in.

And I don't remember the name of the other one.

But it's not America 250.

And this one is also to celebrate America's 250.

But in their -- in their own documents, it says, we want to deemphasize, American history.

How do you -- it's like, please come to Glenn Beck's birthday party. But we want to deemphasize Glenn and his birthday.

I mean, how do you -- how do you do that?

Oh, my gosh. We are so fortunate that President Trump is the guy who is in office, otherwise, you wouldn't have even known that America was 250 years old.

And that is extraordinary.

Countries don't last that long.

This Constitution has lasted 250 years.

The average length of life for a Constitution, is 17 years.

That's the average!

I don't know. Says something good about our Constitution.

1992 Rooftop Korean SPEAKS OUT amid 2025 LA riots

"Rooftop Korean" Tony Moon, who helped protect his Los Angeles community during the 1992 riots, speaks out amid the 2025 LA riots. He tells Glenn Beck why today's riots are very different than those in 1992: "they're NOT organic."

Transcript

Below is a rush transcript that may contain errors

GLENN: From 1992, I believe this is the NBC report on the '92 riots in LA.

Listen.

VOICE: March 16th, 1991, Latasha Harlans, a black teenager is shot and killed by a Korean store owner.

Sun Ja Do (phonetic). Do is convicted of voluntary manslaughter, but is sentenced only to parole and a small fine.

The black community is outraged and remembers.

VOICE: Six months probation?

I mean, the people were pissed then.

VOICE: Today, local Korean radio is broadcasting which stores in the area are threatened.

Young men like Eddie Kim rush over to try to defend them.

VOICE: I don't care about anything.

But it's not a riot. Okay?

You know, it's not a riot.

VOICE: He spent last night, and will spend tonight, guarding his appliance store.

A small battalion of employees and relatives will try to help.

VOICE: I only have one shotgun.

That's all I have.

What do they have?

They have hundreds of people. Hundreds of young people.

With lots of guns!

VOICE: After the destruction, many Koreans have lost all faith that the authorities can protect them.

GLENN: We have one of those Koreans that were protecting people.

Tony Moon, a rooftop Korean from 1992. Welcome, Tony, how are you?

TONY: I'm doing well, Glenn. Thank you for having me on the show. It's a pleasure.

GLENN: I've got to tell you what an honor it is to you have you on.

Can you take us through the experience that you had in the '92 LA riots?

TONY: Of course.

I was 19 at the time. And I was fairly similar -- a little familiar with Latasha's verdict.

But being 19, I wasn't really plugged into politics. Or current events.

Then when things blew up, after the Rodney King verdict, I came down on a Wednesday.

It's when we saw the outrage from the black community. And that's what it was in '92. It was basically the community, that had legitimate reasons to be upset.

And there was a rift between the black community and the Korean community, because the Korean community actually went into the black areas that were predominantly black, and open businesses there. And were doing businesses in the community.

Because of the cultural differences between the two. There was a lot of, I guess you can say, a lot of built-up animosity towards each other. And that's where I guess that's -- the riots, a lot of the pent up frustration was targeting Korean business owners because of that.

And it went on from Wednesday, until through the weekend. Until the National Guard showed up.

But we were fending for ourselves by Thursday.

And the call went out on Thursday. And it went out, when many of us answered the call. A lot of the misconception, is that it was just Korean shop owners. Which wasn't true.

There were a lot of young men like myself. Nineteen, 20. 22-year-olds that went out there.

That's kind of what I'm writing in my book right now.

From that perspective.

Growing up in Los Angeles, at that time.

And what the culture was like. And who some of these young men were.

One of them being Eddie Lee. Who gave his life that week.

You know, for the community.

And unfortunately, it was -- you know, through friendly fire. And I detailed that in my book. Regarding why that happened.

And who some of these young men were, like myself. And my driver, who was out there.

And we weren't always, always. You know, we weren't all on the roof.

Which is -- it's a misconception.

Some of us were out there. Literally --

GLENN: What do you mean, by we were hunting?

JASON: You know, they think -- a lot of people think we're just shooting at looters, which is not the case.

In '90s, LA it was a very gang-rich culture in the '90s. I mean, there were a lot of gangs. One of the large gangs that came out of LA.

And which is -- which is, a Salvadorian gang, that started in the mid-'80s.

And a lot of them, were shooting at these business owners. And some of us who had a background in the streets. Knew -- knew their territory. And knew who they were.

So we actually went into some of these areas. To basically let them.

Put them on notice.

That it's not just the older generation that is shooting at them.

But we actually will be actively hunting them down too. And LA is very layered and complicated. There's a lot of pockets and neighborhoods, where they have different ethnic groups.

And the rule is that, you don't go into other people's area, and mess around.

GLENN: Yeah.

TONY: And you stay in your own neighborhood. You be respectful of other people's different neighborhoods. You don't go there. And just start popping off shots. And that's kind of what they were doing. And it worked out, in the end. It worked out.

GLENN: No. I know. I lived in New Haven, Connecticut. That has a very rich Italian history. And that was what the way it was. You know, the it's not protected their neighborhood. And don't come into the Italian neighborhood and try to stir anything up, or you'll be in trouble with the Italians. And they won't mess with you and your neighborhood. Just everybody take care of yourself.

TONY: Exactly.

GLENN: So did you ever feel like a vigilante in any way? Did you feel that maybe this was questionable to take this on yourself?

TONY: No. Not at all.

When you -- you don't have law enforcement out in the streets anymore.

You know, the streets become a lot -- it's everybody for themselves. You become -- you kind of gain kind of a tribal sense of protecting your own.

Right?

So it's no longer a sense of vigilantism. Just protecting your own. And making sure there's any encroachment into your territory.

So I didn't see it as being a vigilante.

But just maintaining law and order.

Somewhat law and order, some semblance of peace.

And that was done through the barrel of -- you know, a firearm.

GLENN: Compare what you went through, you know, the Rodney King riots.

The George Floyd riots.

And this riot. Is there any difference?

TONY: Absolutely. Absolutely. The 1992 riots were organic. You had different parts of L.A. County that were upset. And you had fires and looting. Because the black community was spread out through south LA, Compton, south-central -- La Habra Heights.

Different areas. And you could actually see that. You know, when you are -- looked at the city, as a whole. From let's say Hollywood. You saw the fires from different parts of the city.

This -- these riots that are occurring now, with like the 2020, what I call the BLM riots. Now the 2025 LA riots are happening now.

They are very centralized. And they're not organic. They're being funded by NGOs. And it's a leftist Marxist agenda, that's being pushed to make it seem as if there's widespread support for this.

For example, the criminal rights that are occurring right now. It's just happening in downtown LA.

And the curfew that was by the mayor is only -- I don't know it off the top of my head. Two square mile radius. Right? One square mile.

Yeah. That's what it is.

Anyone outside that one square mile. Life always proceeds as it has been.

It doesn't look like there's anything going on. Where the difference in 1992, whether you were in Hollywood, Culver City, which is further out west.

And then Hollywood is up north, past downtown LA. August, you stop at downtown LA. You had fires. Looting. I mean, it was widespread.

This isn't anything like what's going on down to 1992.

And it just kind of shows the incompetence of the current leadership of not being able to get their arms around something like this.

Because of their lack of leadership.
And I would say common sense. They're letting these protesters spiral out of control.

Because many of them, the playbook is for them to start in downtown LA at City Hall.

Then make their way down, which really pisses off a lot of people. Because, you know, it's -- it's a highly traveled freeway in LA.

GLENN: I know. It's a parking lot.

You stop me from getting home, I don't care -- I don't care if you're for free candy bars. Reindeer and Santa. I hate your guts if you delay me on that how. I hate you when I'm driving home.

TONY: Absolutely. Absolutely. So there's no widespread recourse for this.

GLENN: Okay. So tell me about how the feeling -- what the feeling is on Trump and the National Guard coming in.

TONY: I think it's awesome.

I think this should have been done back in 2020. But obviously, you know, during that time. It was the administration.

First time going through this.

I posted it recently on Twitter. That, you know, when you take a shot at a man, and you try to assassinate him. He comes back different.

You know, and that's what he's shown.

GLENN: Yeah. Yeah. It is. It is.

Newsom and Bass both say, the riots are contained. Didn't need the National Guard.

This is Trump just trying to turn into a dictator. This is their communities having enough of the people being disappeared on the streets.

What do you say?

What is the average person that you talk to say about those kinds of things?

JASON: I would trust the meteorologist more than I would trust Newsom or Bass.

They -- they're in the same basket as Pelosi. They lie about what's going on. Because of social media. And because of, you know, the lack of reporting, from the local news.

Which covers for the current leadership in L.A. County.

Including the mayor and the board of supervisors. The people that are not getting 100 percent of the news.

And this is no different than what happened in early -- earlier this year with the fires. With what was going on in palisades. Altadena.

You know, the news, in order to get coverage for the local leadership. And to get on their good side, they're not going to report anything bad that's happening.

Currently, I believe there's a class-action lawsuit, gets an board of supervisors. The mayor. I think there are tons of lawsuits being filed right now.

And the problem is that it's not these individuals that will be detained for this.

It's the city and the county.

It will be a drain on the budget. And it will affect the social services, like paramedics, firefighters, you know, law enforcement.

GLENN: I can't imagine being those guys.

TONY: Yeah.

GLENN: Let me ask you for any advice you would give to mom and pop business owners that are vulnerable today?

TONY: A lot of them are downtown LA. I would say, board up. What I've noticed, 1992, the shops that were spared were the ones that had steel roll-up doors. Those do well.

Otherwise, lock your doors.

GLENN: Yeah.

TONY: And deterrence is really a great way to keep looters out. So you don't have to necessarily take shots at them. But displaying, I outlined it in my Twitter feed. I pinned it to my profile.

Deterrence is actually really great.

Because these individuals are looking for low-hanging fruit. So they're looking for an opportunity. So they want to go for the easiest shop or whatever they're going to loot.

So if they move -- you know, you have a shotgun or, you know, an AR. Right?

And they see you're armed. They will think twice before answering. And they will move on to the next target.

GLENN: By the way, you can follow Tony Moon @RoofKorean7. That's his Twitter handle.

RoofKorean7. When does your book come out? You have to send me a copy so I can read it in advance, because I want to have you back when it's out.

TONY: Absolutely. Absolutely. You've been most gracious to me.

I don't know if you know, but I did an interview with Morgan from three years ago in your studio, which turned into a museum, I think. You have some really great artifacts in there.

GLENN: I do, thank you. Yeah, thank you. I didn't know that.

TONY: Yeah.

I'm trying to release it. Well, I'm finishing it up by the end of -- near the end of this month.

My kids are going to read it. Because the book is tailored towards the next generation like Gen Alpha. Gen Z.

GLENN: Yeah, yeah.

TONY: Because these kids weren't alive during that time.

And they only see what online social media is portraying. And also, you know, what they may hear from the news. So I want to give them an account from being -- from a teenage perspective at 19, in terms of what it looked like, and how it played out. So my kids are read the first half.

Some of them are in my book. They will read it too, and once they give their blessing and they're okay with it, I will try to push it out before the end of the summer.

GLENN: That's great. Well, do me a favor. As soon as you're comfortable, send a copy to me so I can read it.

Because I would love to be ahead on it.

But, Tony, best of luck. Thanks for coming on with me, I really appreciate it.

JASON: Thank you, Glenn. Thank you for this time. I really appreciate it.

GLENN: You bet. Tony Moon. 1992. Rooftop Korean on the LA riots, then and now.

A Riots: The Marxist Revolution Disguised as Anti-ICE “Protests” | Glenn TV | Ep 438

Remember this old prediction from Glenn’s chalkboard on Fox News: “Marxists, anarchists, radical leftists, and Islamists will work together to destroy capitalism and the West”? Well, that movement has cascaded all over the world and has now arrived on American streets. As Los Angeles continues to spiral into violent riots, more anti-ICE demonstrations are popping up all over the country in cities like Chicago, San Antonio, Atlanta, and New York. Democrat politicians and rioters blame the violence on President Trump’s deportation agenda, but the chaos isn’t organic — it’s well-organized and well-funded. Interim U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli joins to separate fact from fiction on what actually ignited the protests. He also reveals an ongoing investigation into the organizers and their sources of funding and gives an update on the FBI manhunt for the suspect who hurled rocks at law enforcement vehicles.