The Glenn Beck Program Why Glenn Is NERVOUS About President Trump's China Trip | Guests: Winston Marshall & Melissa Chen | 5/13/26
May 13, 2026
Melissa Chen, geopolitical analyst on China and AI risks. Stu Burguiere, conservative commentator breaking down redistricting and midterm math. Sam Brownback, former senator focused on China’s crackdown on religion. Winston Marshall, broadcaster and ex-musician on UK politics and immigration. They debate Trump’s China visit, AI and espionage worries, China’s global religious repression, and the UK’s political and cultural tensions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
China's Critical Minerals Are Strategic Leverage
- Melissa Chen says critical minerals are Beijing's main leverage because China controls most processing and export routes for elements used in advanced weaponry.
- She notes US dependence for super magnets in F-35s and Aegis radars and China's past export controls during trade tensions.
Timing Gives Trump More Diplomatic Leverage
- Chen explains Trump gained new leverage by moving choke points (Venezuela, Panama, Iran) so timing of the China visit matters for bargaining power.
- She argues had Trump visited earlier he wouldn't have the same cards; recent moves increased US leverage on China.
China Exploits U.S. Systemic Gaps For Influence
- Melissa Chen outlines multifaceted Chinese infiltration in the US: buying farmland, exploiting federalist gaps, anchor-baby surrogacy, and recruiting assets in universities and military.
- She cites the Arcadia mayor spy, balloons near bases, and a Navy leak in San Diego as concrete incidents.
