Staff Reports
Glenn Beck just put out a short, sharp video begging President Donald Trump not to fly to Beijing. It landed at a tense moment: the White House has set a high‑profile summit with President Xi Jinping for May 14–15, and the world is watching whether this will be peace‑making or a photo op that costs America leverage. Beck’s plea deserves a hearing, even if it sounds like friendly tough love shouted through a bullhorn.
Why Glenn Beck Is Worried
Beck’s message is simple: don’t give China the optics and the stage without tough, clear wins for America. He’s worried that a presidential visit to Beijing can be spun by the Chinese state as a sign of weakness or acceptance of the status quo. That’s not paranoia — it’s politics. When a U.S. president travels abroad, the host nation controls the script, the photos, and a lot of the narrative. Beck knows conservative voters hate giving the narrative to an adversary. So do a lot of folks on the right.
Tariffs, the Supreme Court, and Lost Leverage
Here’s the hard fact: the U.S. just took a legal hit. The Supreme Court ruled the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not let the president impose broad tariffs. That decision cuts one of the White House’s biggest tools for pressuring Beijing on trade. So if President Trump goes to Beijing without a new leverage plan, he’ll be bringing an empty toolbox. Beck’s warning flags that weakness — and he’s right to point it out. The summit can’t be just photo ops and friendly pats on the back when the legal groundwork for real bargaining power has been undercut.
What President Trump Should Do (If He Goes)
Set conditions, lock in deliverables, and don’t let China set the narrative
If the trip happens, it must not be a goodwill tour. Demand concrete enforcement mechanisms on trade and tech theft. Insist on strong language and timelines for Taiwan‑related provocations. Bring allies, even if virtually, so this isn’t just a two‑man talk show. And above all, don’t let the Chinese state direct every photo and every talking point. Host part of the talks in a neutral venue if necessary, and get public commitments on paper — not just smiles in the Great Hall. Those are basic rules of statecraft, not drama class.
Watch for the Reactions
Keep an eye on President Trump’s channels and the White House for a reaction to Beck’s clip. Karoline Leavitt already announced the May meeting and framed it as “long‑awaited.” That spin will meet pushback from activists, senators, and conservative media who either fear giving Xi a win or think the U.S. needs a firmer approach. Whether Beck influences the decision is an open question. But his message pushes the conversation where it should be: not about the ego of a summit, but about what America gains — or loses — when its leader travels to Beijing.
