radio--2020-04-08--Exclusive: Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo On Bringing Stranded Americans Home, And Combating Foreign

Exclusive: Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo On Bringing Stranded Americans Home, And Combating Foreign Disinformation, Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The number of positive coronavirus cases in the U.S. jumped past 400,000 Wednesday - just a day after the country saw its deadliest day yet .
A tally by Johns Hopkins University showed the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. at 401,166 , keeping it as the hardest-hit country in the world .
The daily death toll the coronavirus across the country hit 1,939 on Tuesday , which was the highest single-day total for any country since the virus was first detected in China late last year .
In a Fox News Radio Exclusive , Guy Benson sat down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss The US Government 's response to this crisis .
GUY BENSON , FOX RADIO HOST : And with that , we welcome to the program U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Sir , great to have you back .
Thanks for being here .
MIKE POMPEO , U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE : Thank you , Guy .
Thanks for having me on the show today .
Hope you 're well .
BENSON : Likewise .
I want to start with a really difficult challenge that you at the State Department and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
It 's an important one .
It 's the repatriation of American citizens abroad in the middle of this pandemic .
I can only imagine if I had a loved one overseas trying to get home .
If you would just talk about the urgency of those efforts and then just the logistical project that it presents .
POMPEO : Well , Guy , when this virus hit the world it began in Wuhan and then spread .
Many countries began to shut down travel ; sometimes by government edict , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had tens of thousands of Americans that were stranded all across the world , some of them on church mission trips , some of them there on business , some of them there with families on vacation .
And we began to get calls saying .
hey , we 're stuck .
And we started to build that infrastructure to get them all back home .
We 're not done .
There 's still work to do , but as of today , over 50,000 people the State Department 's managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
Inside of countries we had folks stranded near Mount Everest .
We had people in mountainous terrain in Peru -- all across the world .
And we set out to build out an infrastructure where we could take in messages from people who were trapped or stranded or needed to get home and translate that into our workload , and then deliver buses , medicine , transportation -- the things they needed to be safe and healthy , and then ultimately to get them back home .
It 's been quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the work the State Department team did to get these 50,000 Americans back home .
We will stay at it until we 've got the folks who want to come back here back home as well .
BENSON : If there is someone listening right now who has someone in their life who might feel stranded or is getting concerned about this , is there a resource you can direct them to right now ?
POMPEO : There is .
Go to our website , the State Department 's website .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The program is called STEP .
It 's easy to use .
You can also reach out -- almost everyone who 's traveling will be able to easily reach to the U.S. embassy .
You can call the local embassy in the country that you 're in .
If you 're someplace where you 're really stuck , you can go to local law enforcement ; they can help you reach the embassy as well .
All of those are tools that you can reach out , get to the State Department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a message back to you , and then we 'll begin to tell you how to get to where you need to get , so that we can find a way to find transportation to get you back home .
It 's not always instantaneous .
The logistics are incredibly complicated .
But we are working to bring folks back from places as far as Honduras and from Africa and indeed from all across the world .
BENSON : I know ( ph ) , some of these far-flung locations .
Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally pretty cooperative on this particular front ?
And is there any sort of work or partnership with a private sector like airplanes , for example ?
How is that working ?
POMPEO : Yeah .
We 've had lots of partners .
State Department team has led it , but we 've had , a lot of these flights have been flown by commercial airlines , by American , United , who have agreed to help us and send down aircraft or downed an aircraft that we could put somebody aboard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly helpful as well .
We 've used every conveyance we can possibly find to get them not only from their location to an airport or an air transportation , but then those aircraft get them back home as well .
The host governments have all been very good .
They 're often under enormous stress as well , because of this virus .
But they 've been great about helping us getting flight clearances , all the things we need to do to move people around .
Right ?
In some places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely with those host governments , and I ca n't think of a single country that has n't , when we raised the issue and presented to them , did n't assist us in getting American citizens back home .
POMPEO : A little bit of everything , yes , sir .
BENSON : So I want to ask you about , just changing gears to disinformation .
And I saw this tweet yesterday from NBC News , here in the U.S. , that sort of knocked my socks off a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports 1,264 coronavirus deaths over 24 hours .
Meanwhile in China , where the pandemic broke out , not a single new coronavirus death was reported .
Which is sort of like , wow , you know , look at what China 's accomplished , and compared to the U.S. that 's you know , maybe we 're sort of behind the curve here .
That tweet was sent literally days after the U.S. Intelligence Community , that you 're very familiar with , your time at the CIA , assessed specifically that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their statistics .
Have you been surprised ?
ABC News had a tweet today showing the video of a light show in Wuhan as they 're celebrating going back to normal , which is just propaganda , frankly .
Are you surprised at the willingness of some Western media organizations to repeat or parrot disinformation from not just China but other countries as well ?
POMPEO : Guy , you know this .
In challenging times when there 's a crisis , a moment like this , the American people need journalists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do good work , candid work , to assess the situations accurately that reflects reality .
And so I ask of each of the people who have been talking to us about what 's taking place , how it 's been , it 's just -- write what 's going on ; talk about the amazing work that the United States government has done .
We have to have -- this idea of transparency is paramount .
It 's still remains the case .
This is not behind us .
We 've still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify how best to get our economy kick-starting , get back going .
This will be an American effort .
America will lead this effort , but we 've got to get the whole world 's demand cycle back going .
That will require every country not to hide data about the genetics of the disease , not to hide information about deaths and transmission .
Every country has to be transparent , and I 'm counting on journalists , good reporters , to go do that work in a way that shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing by the world and helping save lives , and who 's not sharing that information in a way that can ultimately drive the loss of life , certainly around the world , but drive loss of life here to the people that the president and I have signed up to make sure we defend and protect .
BENSON : Yes , and look , I 've seen some of your comments regarding China and the president as well .
He did say something at the briefing the other day about some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak on the U.S. military , which is completely baseless and false .
It 's a lie .
And the president was asked about it and he said , well , that 's a mid-level person .
We always want to assume the best about our counterparts in China and Chairman Xi and some of the top people in that government .
And look , I do n't always assume the best about what the Chinese are up to , but I also understand there 's a diplomatic effort affront here as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also other priorities , like trade and things like that .
What 's the balance of speaking the truth when it 's uncomfortable for an adversary but also keeping important channels open ?
POMPEO : Well , I think the president spoke the truth , when the Chinese made a statement that somehow suggested that American soldiers or it was an American connection to have this virus began , and he said , well , that 's just not right .
I think that 's absolutely the truth .
I think he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would like to find ways to cooperate , work with the Chinese people .
That 's a good thing in a time of crisis .
The first people that the United States repatriated from the world was from Wuhan , to get about 800 or so Americans out of Wuhan .
We needed Chinese cooperation to do that .
We should work with the Chinese .
But to cooperate , Guy , you know this , right , to cooperate requires them to be truthful , to be transparent .
We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where this virus began and how it began to spread .
That means you have to share information so that the scientists from the United States and from Europe and top scientists from all around the world have access to that information .
And so we 're all about finding cooperation and places to move forward , but it requires truthful , candid information and sharing of data sets so that the professionals can get their arms around this virus .
BENSON : Last question and it pertains to Iran .
We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say some of the usual suspects , that it 's cruel of the United States to keep sanctions on Iran while they 're going through a very difficult time with coronavirus .
I think they 've been hit very hard and are being opaque about it .
And it just , it sort of amazes me because there has been one example after another of outreach and offering of humanitarian help that would have nothing to do with these sanctions that Iran is rejecting .
Why do some Americans keep conflating these two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account for that .
You 'd have to ask them .
The very first thing we did when we learned that Iran was being hit in a significant way with this virus was to reach out and offer humanitarian assistance .
We did so publicly .
You can see my statement and the State Department 's statement .
We did so privately .
We made very clear to them there was n't a cost to this .
We wanted to bring technical assistance and all the things that America can bring to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilitated assistance from other countries as well .
We want good things for the Iranian people .
But this is no reason to try and infuse cash to the Iranian regime .
We 've seen this before .
That cash will go into the pockets of the corrupt leaders .
That cash wo n't go for medicine and food and supplies .
If it was going to go to them , Guy , the money that they have already today would n't be being used to transfer missiles around the world and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are resources there to suggest that sending cash to Iran right now is going to solve this humanitarian crisis .
It 's just a failure of logic .
We hope that they 'll accept the humanitarian assistance from ( INAUDIBLE ) , but the Iranian people so desperately need , and there is no sanction in place today that prevents that from happening .
BENSON : U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , our guest here on the program .
We have to leave it there .
Mr. Secretary , stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
POMPEO : I will .
Thank you , Guy .
Bless you .
So long .

The number of positive coronavirus cases in the U.S. jumped past 400,000 Wednesday – just a day after the country saw its deadliest day yet. A tally by Johns Hopkins University showed the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. at 401,166, keeping it as the hardest-hit country in the world. The daily death toll the coronavirus across the country hit 1,939 on Tuesday, which was the highest single-day total for any country since the virus was first detected in China late last year.
In a Fox News Radio Exclusive, Guy Benson sat down with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss The US Government’s response to this crisis.
Audio Below:
Transcript:
GUY BENSON, FOX RADIO HOST: And with that, we welcome to the program U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Sir, great to have you back. Thanks for being here.
MIKE POMPEO, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: Thank you, Guy. Thanks for having me on the show today. Hope you’re well.
BENSON: Likewise. I want to start with a really difficult challenge that you at the State Department and your whole team are dealing with right now. It’s an important one. It’s the repatriation of American citizens abroad in the middle of this pandemic. I can only imagine if I had a loved one overseas trying to get home. If you would just talk about the urgency of those efforts and then just the logistical project that it presents.
POMPEO: Well, Guy, when this virus hit the world it began in Wuhan and then spread. Many countries began to shut down travel; sometimes by government edict, sometimes just flights stopped going. And we had tens of thousands of Americans that were stranded all across the world, some of them on church mission trips, some of them there on business, some of them there with families on vacation. And we began to get calls saying. hey, we’re stuck. And we started to build that infrastructure to get them all back home. We’re not done. There’s still work to do, but as of today, over 50,000 people the State Department’s managed to get back, 490-some flights across 70-some countries. Inside of countries we had folks stranded near Mount Everest. We had people in mountainous terrain in Peru — all across the world. And we set out to build out an infrastructure where we could take in messages from people who were trapped or stranded or needed to get home and translate that into our workload, and then deliver buses, medicine, transportation — the things they needed to be safe and healthy, and then ultimately to get them back home. It’s been quite an undertaking. I’m very proud of the work the State Department team did to get these 50,000 Americans back home. We will stay at it until we’ve got the folks who want to come back here back home as well.
BENSON: If there is someone listening right now who has someone in their life who might feel stranded or is getting concerned about this, is there a resource you can direct them to right now?
POMPEO: There is. Go to our website, the State Department’s website. There are phone numbers there as well. The program is called STEP. It’s easy to use. You can also reach out — almost everyone who’s traveling will be able to easily reach to the U.S. embassy. You can call the local embassy in the country that you’re in. If you’re someplace where you’re really stuck, you can go to local law enforcement; they can help you reach the embassy as well. All of those are tools that you can reach out, get to the State Department. We will have someone make sure to get a message back to you, and then we’ll begin to tell you how to get to where you need to get, so that we can find a way to find transportation to get you back home. It’s not always instantaneous. The logistics are incredibly complicated. But we are working to bring folks back from places as far as Honduras and from Africa and indeed from all across the world.
BENSON: I know (ph), some of these far-flung locations. Are you finding that foreign governments are being generally pretty cooperative on this particular front? And is there any sort of work or partnership with a private sector like airplanes, for example? How is that working?
POMPEO: Yeah. We’ve had lots of partners. State Department team has led it, but we’ve had, a lot of these flights have been flown by commercial airlines, by American, United, who have agreed to help us and send down aircraft or downed an aircraft that we could put somebody aboard. The military Department of Defense has been incredibly helpful as well. We’ve used every conveyance we can possibly find to get them not only from their location to an airport or an air transportation, but then those aircraft get them back home as well. The host governments have all been very good. They’re often under enormous stress as well, because of this virus. But they’ve been great about helping us getting flight clearances, all the things we need to do to move people around. Right? In some places there’s checkpoints. We’ve worked closely with those host governments, and I can’t think of a single country that hasn’t, when we raised the issue and presented to them, didn’t assist us in getting American citizens back home.
BENSON: Trains, planes and automobiles (ph).
POMPEO: A little bit of everything, yes, sir.
BENSON: So I want to ask you about, just changing gears to disinformation. And I saw this tweet yesterday from NBC News, here in the U.S., that sort of knocked my socks off a little bit. This was the tweet, U.S. reports 1,264 coronavirus deaths over 24 hours. Meanwhile in China, where the pandemic broke out, not a single new coronavirus death was reported. Which is sort of like, wow, you know, look at what China’s accomplished, and compared to the U.S. that’s you know, maybe we’re sort of behind the curve here. That tweet was sent literally days after the U.S. Intelligence Community, that you’re very familiar with, your time at the CIA, assessed specifically that China is not telling the truth about their statistics. Have you been surprised? ABC News had a tweet today showing the video of a light show in Wuhan as they’re celebrating going back to normal, which is just propaganda, frankly. Are you surprised at the willingness of some Western media organizations to repeat or parrot disinformation from not just China but other countries as well?
POMPEO: Guy, you know this. In challenging times when there’s a crisis, a moment like this, the American people need journalists, people who are writing, reporters to do good work, candid work, to assess the situations accurately that reflects reality. And so I ask of each of the people who have been talking to us about what’s taking place, how it’s been, it’s just — write what’s going on; talk about the amazing work that the United States government has done. We have to have — this idea of transparency is paramount. It’s still remains the case. This is not behind us. We’ve still got lots of work to do to identify how best to get our economy kick-starting, get back going. This will be an American effort. America will lead this effort, but we’ve got to get the whole world’s demand cycle back going. That will require every country not to hide data about the genetics of the disease, not to hide information about deaths and transmission. Every country has to be transparent, and I’m counting on journalists, good reporters, to go do that work in a way that shares with the world who is doing the right thing by the world and helping save lives, and who’s not sharing that information in a way that can ultimately drive the loss of life, certainly around the world, but drive loss of life here to the people that the president and I have signed up to make sure we defend and protect.
BENSON: Yes, and look, I’ve seen some of your comments regarding China and the president as well. He did say something at the briefing the other day about some of the disinformation, blaming this coronavirus outbreak on the U.S. military, which is completely baseless and false. It’s a lie. And the president was asked about it and he said, well, that’s a mid-level person. We always want to assume the best about our counterparts in China and Chairman Xi and some of the top people in that government. And look, I don’t always assume the best about what the Chinese are up to, but I also understand there’s a diplomatic effort affront here as well, not just on coronavirus, but also other priorities, like trade and things like that. What’s the balance of speaking the truth when it’s uncomfortable for an adversary but also keeping important channels open?
POMPEO: Well, I think the president spoke the truth, when the Chinese made a statement that somehow suggested that American soldiers or it was an American connection to have this virus began, and he said, well, that’s just not right. I think that’s absolutely the truth. I think he’s also speaking the truth when it says we would like to find ways to cooperate, work with the Chinese people. That’s a good thing in a time of crisis. The first people that the United States repatriated from the world was from Wuhan, to get about 800 or so Americans out of Wuhan. We needed Chinese cooperation to do that. We should work with the Chinese. But to cooperate, Guy, you know this, right, to cooperate requires them to be truthful, to be transparent. We want to cooperate on figuring out what — where this virus began and how it began to spread. That means you have to share information so that the scientists from the United States and from Europe and top scientists from all around the world have access to that information. And so we’re all about finding cooperation and places to move forward, but it requires truthful, candid information and sharing of data sets so that the professionals can get their arms around this virus.
BENSON: Last question and it pertains to Iran. We’re seeing some commentary from, I would say some of the usual suspects, that it’s cruel of the United States to keep sanctions on Iran while they’re going through a very difficult time with coronavirus. I think they’ve been hit very hard and are being opaque about it. And it just, it sort of amazes me because there has been one example after another of outreach and offering of humanitarian help that would have nothing to do with these sanctions that Iran is rejecting. Why do some Americans keep conflating these two issues?
POMPEO: I can’t account for that. You’d have to ask them. The very first thing we did when we learned that Iran was being hit in a significant way with this virus was to reach out and offer humanitarian assistance. We did so publicly. You can see my statement and the State Department’s statement. We did so privately. We made very clear to them there wasn’t a cost to this. We wanted to bring technical assistance and all the things that America can bring to help save Iranian lives. We’ve now facilitated assistance from other countries as well. We want good things for the Iranian people. But this is no reason to try and infuse cash to the Iranian regime. We’ve seen this before. That cash will go into the pockets of the corrupt leaders. That cash won’t go for medicine and food and supplies. If it was going to go to them, Guy, the money that they have already today wouldn’t be being used to transfer missiles around the world and to fund Hezbollah. They’ve got money. There are resources there to suggest that sending cash to Iran right now is going to solve this humanitarian crisis. It’s just a failure of logic. We hope that they’ll accept the humanitarian assistance from (INAUDIBLE), but the Iranian people so desperately need, and there is no sanction in place today that prevents that from happening.
BENSON: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, our guest here on the program. We have to leave it there. Mr. Secretary, stay healthy. Thank you for joining us today.
POMPEO: I will. Thank you, Guy. Bless you. So long.
BENSON: Likewise.


radio--2020-04-05--Fox News Rundown Extra: Former Obama Adviser Plouffe On The Politics Of A Pandemic

While it has been on the backburner for weeks , there is a presidential race going on and Americans are stills expected to vote in November .
The coronavirus , however , has made this one of the most usual political races in American history .
Rallies have been cancelled and primaries have been pushed back .
President Donald Trump has been seen daily during the White House 's coronavirus briefing , Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have been fighting for any media attention .
Earlier this week , former 2008 Obama-Biden campaign manager David Plouffe joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak is having on the 2020 race and how the campaigns are being forced to adapt .
Plouffe explained why Biden and the Democrats are at a disadvantage despite the uncertainty and growing economic crisis .
He also weighed in on the growing popularity of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and how social distancing could impact how voters cast their ballots .
It was a great conversation , but because of time we could not include all of it in the segment that ran this week .
On the Rundown Extra you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including more about his new book , ' A Citizen 's Guide to Beating Donald Trump . '

While it has been on the backburner for weeks, there is a presidential race going on and Americans are stills expected to vote in November.
The coronavirus, however, has made this one of the most usual political races in American history. Rallies have been cancelled and primaries have been pushed back.
President Donald Trump has been seen daily during the White House’s coronavirus briefing, Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have been fighting for any media attention.
Earlier this week, former 2008 Obama-Biden campaign manager David Plouffe joined the Rundown to discuss the impact COVID-19 outbreak is having on the 2020 race and how the campaigns are being forced to adapt.
Plouffe explained why Biden and the Democrats are at a disadvantage despite the uncertainty and growing economic crisis. He also weighed in on the growing popularity of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and how social distancing could impact how voters cast their ballots.
It was a great conversation, but because of time we could not include all of it in the segment that ran this week.
On the Rundown Extra you will hear the full conversation with David Plouffe including more about his new book, ‘A Citizen’s Guide to Beating Donald Trump.’


radio--2020-04-18--Fox News Rundown Extra: Lara Logan On The Impact Of Liberal Media Bias

Lara Logan is a veteran foreign correspondent who has traveled to some of the world 's most dangerous war-torn regions @ @ @ @ @ news networks .
Throughout her career , she says she has also witnessed a clear @ @ @ @ @ outlets .
In her Fox Nation documentary series `` Lara Logan Has No Agenda , @ @ @ @ @ look at liberal bias in the media and how it impacts news coverage , public @ @ @ @ @ those who have been the targets of what she considers unfair coverage .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ host Chris Foster on the Fox News Rundown to discuss the her news series and @ @ @ @ @ is being seen in current coverage of the coronavirus outbreak .
The interview was long @ @ @ @ @ it all in our original segment .
On this episode of the Fox News Rundown @ @ @ @ @ even more from Lara Logan and her take on why she thinks the journalism business @ @ @ @ @

Lara Logan is a veteran foreign correspondent who has traveled to some of the world’s most dangerous war-torn regions for some of the biggest news networks.
Throughout her career, she says she has also witnessed a clear left-leaning bias at these same outlets.
In her Fox Nation documentary series “Lara Logan Has No Agenda,” Logan takes a deep look at liberal bias in the media and how it impacts news coverage, public policy and the lives of those who have been the targets of what she considers unfair coverage.
Earlier this week, Lara Logan joined host Chris Foster on the Fox News Rundown to discuss the her news series and how this liberal news bias is being seen in current coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.
The interview was long and we could not include it all in our original segment.
On this episode of the Fox News Rundown Extra, you will hear even more from Lara Logan and her take on why she thinks the journalism business pushes a liberal agenda.


radio--2020-03-25--Dealing with America's Two Crises

Dealing with America's Two Crises

In the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic , there are some lessons to be learned about the lack of @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak happened first in their country .
Rep. Dan Crenshaw ( R-TX ) explains @ @ @ @ @ the illness makes the U.S. vulnerable to division .
The former NAVY Seal also discusses @ @ @ @ @ Texas is dealing with the economic impact from Covid-19 , what he would like to @ @ @ @ @ and what is in his new book `` Fortitude '' As the United States sees @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus , the number of unemployed Americans is also on the rise .
Financial @ @ @ @ @ Rundown to give his advice on how families and small businesses can stay afloat during @ @ @ @

In the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, there are some lessons to be learned about the lack of transparency China has given since the outbreak happened first in their country. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) explains how China’s misinformation about the illness makes the U.S. vulnerable to division. The former NAVY Seal also discusses how his home state of Texas is dealing with the economic impact from Covid-19, what he would like to see done about the situation and what is in his new book “Fortitude”
As the United States sees a spike in the cases of coronavirus, the number of unemployed Americans is also on the rise. Financial expert Chris Hogan joins The Rundown to give his advice on how families and small businesses can stay afloat during this challenging time.
Plus, commentary by syndicated columnist Cal Thomas.


radio--2020-03-25--President Donald Trump: "We Have To Do What's Right For Our Country"

In an exclusive interview , Bill Hemmer is joined by President Donald Trump to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic .
They @ @ @ @ @ President Trump 's response and messaging around COVID-19 and the rising tensions between the President @ @ @ @ @ Trump also explains his support for the historic economic stimulus package being worked on in @ @ @ @ @ impacts of the pandemic and his target timeline to return America to normalcy .

In an exclusive interview, Bill Hemmer is joined by President Donald Trump to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic.
They address the media controversy over President Trump’s response and messaging around COVID-19 and the rising tensions between the President and U.S. Governors. President Trump also explains his support for the historic economic stimulus package being worked on in Congress to solve the negative impacts of the pandemic and his target timeline to return America to normalcy.
Follow Bill Hemmer: @BillHemmer


radio--2020-03-31--Maryland Governor Says Ventilator Shortage Will Be a Problem

Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland joined the Brian Kilmeade Show to talk about how his state is being affected by @ @ @ @ @ 're doing to combat it .
`` We 're actually up several hundred more [ @ @ @ @ @ 've quadrupled in the Washington metropolitan area in just the past few days .
We @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Gov .
Hogan praised FEMA for stepping in to help track @ @ @ @ @ the country and to identify where there are shortages , but added , `` it @ @ @ @ @ work . ''
`` It 's going to be a terrible shortage of ventilators across @ @ @ @ @ something we 're going to work together with them on to try to get an @ @ @ @ @ they 've utilized the Defense Production Act to try to get some of these things @ @ @ @ @ because that 's really going to be one of the biggest problems we 're going @ @ @ @ @ ''

Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland joined the Brian Kilmeade Show to talk about how his state is being affected by the coronavirus and what they’re doing to combat it.
“We’re actually up several hundred more [cases] today and we’ve quadrupled in the Washington metropolitan area in just the past few days. We’re now over 3,000,” he said.
Gov. Hogan praised FEMA for stepping in to help track the number of ventilators in the country and to identify where there are shortages, but added, “it’s going to take some work.”
“It’s going to be a terrible shortage of ventilators across the country. It’s something we’re going to work together with them on to try to get an inventory all across America and they’ve utilized the Defense Production Act to try to get some of these things produced as quickly as possible because that’s really going to be one of the biggest problems we’re going to be faced with.”
Listen here:


radio--2020-05-03--Fox News Rundown Extra: Former NY Gov. Pataki On Andrew Cuomo, Donald Trump And The Next American Re

Fox News Rundown Extra: Former NY Gov. Pataki On Andrew Cuomo, Donald Trump And The Next American Rebound

When terrorists attacked Lower Manhattan on September 11 , 2001 , the country was in a state of shock , the economy took a massive hit and many Americans thought we 'd never be the same .
While our country was changed after that crisis , both America and New York recovered .
George Pataki was the governor of New York on 9/11 and he helped in that recovery .
On the Fox News Rundown earlier this week , Gov .
Pataki joined host Dave Anthony to discuss how that national crisis compares to what America is experiencing now as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic threats from the coronavirus .
Pataki saw several parallels between 2001 and today , and weighed in on how our national and local leaders are responding to the pandemic .
He also offered some advice to those leaders and had some criticisms for the media 's coverage .
The full interview was candid and insightful , but too long and we could not include it all in our original segment .
This episode of Fox News Rundown Extra includes the entire conversation with former New York Governor .
Besides hearing more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience coping with challenges of 9/11 , you will hear his take on modern day politics and the 2020 race .

When terrorists attacked Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, the country was in a state of shock, the economy took a massive hit and many Americans thought we’d never be the same.
While our country was changed after that crisis, both America and New York recovered.
George Pataki was the governor of New York on 9/11 and he helped in that recovery.
On the Fox News Rundown earlier this week, Gov. Pataki joined host Dave Anthony to discuss how that national crisis compares to what America is experiencing now as we try to combat both health and economic threats from the coronavirus.
Pataki saw several parallels between 2001 and today, and weighed in on how our national and local leaders are responding to the pandemic. He also offered some advice to those leaders and had some criticisms for the media’s coverage.
The full interview was candid and insightful, but too long and we could not include it all in our original segment.
This episode of Fox News Rundown Extra includes the entire conversation with former New York Governor. Besides hearing more about Pataki’s views on leadership and his experience coping with challenges of 9/11, you will hear his take on modern day politics and the 2020 race.


radio--2020-03-29--Fox News Rundown Extra: HHS Sec. Azar Says 'There Is Light At The End Of This Tunnel'

The U.S. nearing the end of President Trump 's recommendation of 15 days of social distancing to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ week , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar joined host Lisa Brady on the @ @ @ @ @ how the strategy was working .
Sec .
Azar explained why social distancing is vital @ @ @ @ @ how private industries have stepped up to help combat the virus and what lessons we @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The conversation covered a lot of ground and we could not include all @ @ @ @ @ segment .
On The Fox News Rundown Extra , you will hear our full interview @ @ @ @ @ member President Trump 's coronavirus task force and learn even more about how government is @ @ @ @

The U.S. nearing the end of President Trump’s recommendation of 15 days of social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Earlier this week, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar joined host Lisa Brady on the Fox News Rundown to discusses how the strategy was working.
Sec. Azar explained why social distancing is vital to mitigating the coronavirus, how private industries have stepped up to help combat the virus and what lessons we can learn from this global pandemic.
The conversation covered a lot of ground and we could not include all of it into our original segment.
On The Fox News Rundown Extra, you will hear our full interview with one of the key member President Trump’s coronavirus task force and learn even more about how government is batting the pandemic.


radio--2020-04-04--Fox News Rundown Extra: Vin Scully Opens Up About Faith, Family And Baseball

Like many things in American , Major League Baseball 's season has been put hold because of the coronavirus .
During these uncertain times , it 's nice to hear a familiar and comforting voice .
One of our country 's most iconic voices is broadcasting legend Vin Scully .
For 67 season he called games for the Dodgers both in Brooklyn and Los Angeles .
And if that was n't impressive enough , he was the voice for some of the sport 's biggest moments .
Recently , Fox News anchor Ed Henry got the opportunity to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News Rundown .
The two did discuss America 's current crisis , but they also talked about faith , family and of course , baseball .
Vin Scully , who grew up during the Great Depression and World War Two , offered a lot of perspective and optimism about what is going on The conversation was long and we could n't get it all in our original segment , but you can hear it all now here on the Fox News Rundown Extra .
And trust us , there was some great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Newsroom host asked Vin about calling the infamous `` Gets by Buckner '' play in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series .

Like many things in American, Major League Baseball’s season has been put hold because of the coronavirus.
During these uncertain times, it’s nice to hear a familiar and comforting voice. One of our country’s most iconic voices is broadcasting legend Vin Scully.
For 67 season he called games for the Dodgers both in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, he was the voice for some of the sport’s biggest moments.
Recently, Fox News anchor Ed Henry got the opportunity to talk to Vin for a special segment of the Fox News Rundown.
The two did discuss America’s current crisis, but they also talked about faith, family and of course, baseball.
Vin Scully, who grew up during the Great Depression and World War Two, offered a lot of perspective and optimism about what is going on
The conversation was long and we couldn’t get it all in our original segment, but you can hear it all now here on the Fox News Rundown Extra. And trust us, there was some great stuff you missed including when the America’s Newsroom host asked Vin about calling the infamous “Gets by Buckner” play in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.


radio--2020-04-03--Huffington Post Contributor Yashar Ali, On How To Help Hourly Workers During The Coronavirus Crisis

Yashar Ali , Huffington Post Contributor Talked with Fox News Radio 's Guy Benson about the go-fund me campaign he @ @ @ @ @ workers affected by the Coronavirus pandemic .
Here Is How To Help : Help Hourly @ @ @ @ @

Yashar Ali, Huffington Post Contributor Talked with Fox News Radio’s Guy Benson about the go-fund me campaign he started to help hourly waged workers affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Here Is How To Help:
Help Hourly Workers During The Coronavirus Crisis
Listen Here:


radio--2020-05-22--Remembering America's Fallen Heroes

Remembering America's Fallen Heroes

This Week : The Global coronavirus pandemic is a top priority in Washington but it 's not the only priority .
Last week the House passed a $ 3T relief fund , the most expensive bill in history , but was shot down by the Senate .
Jared and FOX 's Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram recap this week 's Capitol Hill news and what to expect when lawmakers return after Memorial Day .
Last week President Trump fired the State Department Inspector General Steve Linick .
The controversial move has drawn scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans .
So is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to Liz Hempowicz , Director of Public Policy at Project on Government Oversight about the Inspector General 's role and if the firing is significant .
Memorial Day will look different this year because of Covid-19 .
Arlington National Cemetery will be closed to the general public , but families will be able to come visit their loved ones .
The Boy Scouts of America usually place flags on the graves of the nation 's war dead , but this year they 're honoring the fallen virtually .
FOX 's Washington Correspondent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs Robert Wilkie about observing Memorial Day this year .
Recent polling shows that voters are leaning more towards presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , including some key voting blocks ; senior citizens and independents .
With most of President Trump and Vice President Biden 's campaign money going to battleground states , Jared speaks with David Bergstein , Battleground States Director at the DNC about the states in play for 2020 and what the DNC 's plan is for this year 's national convention .

This Week:
The Global coronavirus pandemic is a top priority in Washington but it’s not the only priority. Last week the House passed a $3T relief fund, the most expensive bill in history, but was shot down by the Senate. Jared and FOX’s Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram recap this week’s Capitol Hill news and what to expect when lawmakers return after Memorial Day.
Last week President Trump fired the State Department Inspector General Steve Linick. The controversial move has drawn scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans. So is the President in the wrong? Jared spoke to Liz Hempowicz, Director of Public Policy at Project on Government Oversight about the Inspector General’s role and if the firing is significant.
Memorial Day will look different this year because of Covid-19. Arlington National Cemetery will be closed to the general public, but families will be able to come visit their loved ones. The Boy Scouts of America usually place flags on the graves of the nation’s war dead, but this year they’re honoring the fallen virtually. FOX’s Washington Correspondent Rachel Sutherland spoke to Secretary of Veteran Affairs Robert Wilkie about observing Memorial Day this year.
Recent polling shows that voters are leaning more towards presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, including some key voting blocks; senior citizens and independents. With most of President Trump and Vice President Biden’s campaign money going to battleground states, Jared speaks with David Bergstein, Battleground States Director at the DNC about the states in play for 2020 and what the DNC’s plan is for this year’s national convention.


radio--2020-06-10--The 2020 Election Is Reshaped ... Again

The 2020 Election Is Reshaped ... Again

Will we see a Trump rally this election cycle ?
President Trump had suspended the rallies in early March amid @ @ @ @ @ it looks like he is going to be hitting the campaign trail in the near @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 Trump re-election campaign Tim Murtaugh discusses when we should expect the President to @ @ @ @ @ Murtaugh also weighs in on the calls across the U.S. to defund the police , @ @ @ @ @ n't put much stock in public polls .
What impact will the pandemic , an @ @ @ @ @ for police reform have on this year 's congressional races ?
Fox News politics editor @ @ @ @ @ I 'll Tell You What Podcast '' , Chris Stirewalt discusses the battle for the @ @ @ @ @ contests we should keep an eye on .
Plus , commentary by Robert Jeffress , @ @ @ @ @ of the Dallas First Baptist Church .

Will we see a Trump rally this election cycle? President Trump had suspended the rallies in early March amid the coronavirus pandemic, but it looks like he is going to be hitting the campaign trail in the near future. Communications Director for the 2020 Trump re-election campaign Tim Murtaugh discusses when we should expect the President to hold his famous rallies. Murtaugh also weighs in on the calls across the U.S. to defund the police, and why the campaign doesn’t put much stock in public polls.
What impact will the pandemic, an economic crisis and the push for police reform have on this year’s congressional races? Fox News politics editor and co-host of the “I’ll Tell You What Podcast“, Chris Stirewalt discusses the battle for the control of Congress and which contests we should keep an eye on.
Plus, commentary by Robert Jeffress, Fox News Contributor and pastor of the Dallas First Baptist Church.


radio--2020-04-30--Dr. John Lennox: Where is God in a Coronavirus World?

What might be surprising to know is that viruses are essential to life .
However , about 1 % at most , are what 's called 'pathogenic ' , they are harmful ; they can cause everything from the common cold to the Coronavirus .
So why did God make a world in which what can be so good for us , can also potentially bring our death ?
On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast , noted Mathematician and Christian apologist Dr. John Lennox , talks about that very question .
He has written a small but powerful ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where is God in a Coronavirus World ? ''
Lennox says that things like Covid-19 are what 's known as 'natural evil ' .
They are part of the brokenness in this natural world , like tsunamis and tornadoes .
There is no human agent , as with 'moral evil ' .
There 's no one to blame or judge .
But what these natural evils force us to do is to come to terms with death ; our own as well as those whom we love .
But it 's not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and always did , have a plan for the world He created .
Dr. Lennox looks to the joy and the hope that God has promised as well .

What might be surprising to know is that viruses are essential to life. However, about 1% at most, are what’s called ‘pathogenic’, they are harmful; they can cause everything from the common cold to the Coronavirus. So why did God make a world in which what can be so good for us, can also potentially bring our death? On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, noted Mathematician and Christian apologist Dr. John Lennox, talks about that very question. He has written a small but powerful (and timely) book, called “Where is God in a Coronavirus World?” Lennox says that things like Covid-19 are what’s known as ‘natural evil’. They are part of the brokenness in this natural world, like tsunamis and tornadoes. There is no human agent, as with ‘moral evil’. There’s no one to blame or judge. But what these natural evils force us to do is to come to terms with death; our own as well as those whom we love. But it’s not just about doom and gloom. God has, and always did, have a plan for the world He created. Dr. Lennox looks to the joy and the hope that God has promised as well.


radio--2020-06-17--Janice Dean On NYC Nursing Home Policy: "This Should Be One Of The Biggest Scandals This State Has E

Janice Dean On NYC Nursing Home Policy: "This Should Be One Of The Biggest Scandals This State Has Ever Seen"

Janice Dean , Senior Meteorologist for Fox News Channel spoke with Fox News Radio 's Guy Benson about the COVID-19 Nursing Home mandate in NYC .
Dean who lost both of her in-laws to COVID-19 in nursing homes .
Blasted the media for not asking Governor Cuomo about the scandal .
Reacting to a recent interview of Cuomo on ABC News .
Dean said , '' I 've watched that interview twice , Guy .
And this is why I am curious , and this is why I have gone to social media to scream as loud as I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He goes on GMA for a two part interview .
He does n't even go near the nursing home .
Question .
This nursing home issue has killed 6000 in New York .
This should be one of the biggest scandals this state has ever seen under this governor .
And no one asked the question .
Wolf Blitzer did n't ask him a couple of days ago on CNN .
I 've been watching these interviews , and that 's why I 'm so furious .
If this was a Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page of every mainstream newspaper .
On every single network .
and it 's not there .
And people do n't know about it .
And that 's why I 'm furious . ''
Listen To the Full interview Below :

Janice Dean, Senior Meteorologist for Fox News Channel spoke with Fox News Radio’s Guy Benson about the COVID-19 Nursing Home mandate in NYC. Dean who lost both of her in-laws to COVID-19 in nursing homes. Blasted the media for not asking Governor Cuomo about the scandal. Reacting to a recent interview of Cuomo on ABC News. Dean said,
“I’ve watched that interview twice, Guy. And this is why I am curious, and this is why I have gone to social media to scream as loud as I can because no one else will cover it. He goes on GMA for a two part interview. He doesn’t even go near the nursing home. Question. This nursing home issue has killed 6000 in New York. This should be one of the biggest scandals this state has ever seen under this governor. And no one asked the question. Wolf Blitzer didn’t ask him a couple of days ago on CNN. I’ve been watching these interviews, and that’s why I’m so furious. If this was a Republican governor, it would be on every page of every mainstream newspaper. On every single network. and it’s not there. And people don’t know about it. And that’s why I’m furious.”
Listen To the Full interview Below:


radio--2020-05-21--Charles Billingsley on Overcoming COVID-19

Shannon Bream , host of FOX News @ Night on the FOX News Channel returns with a new `` Livin @ @ @ @ @ .
This week , Shannon sits down with singer/songwriter , author and worship pastor Charles @ @ @ @ @ recent struggle overcoming COVID-19 amidst releasing his new album , I Was Made For This @ @ @ @ @ handled being treated in the hospital for coronavirus , how the experience made him appreciate @ @ @ @ @ process of creating his new album .

Shannon Bream, host of FOX News @ Night on the FOX News Channel returns with a new “Livin’ the Bream” podcast.
This week, Shannon sits down with singer/songwriter, author and worship pastor Charles Billingsley to talk about his recent struggle overcoming COVID-19 amidst releasing his new album, I Was Made For This. They discuss how Charles handled being treated in the hospital for coronavirus, how the experience made him appreciate life even more and the process of creating his new album.
Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonBream


All Eyes On Michigan

President Trump won the state of Michigan in the 2016 presidential election , but the swing state is up for @ @ @ @ @ Elissa Slotkin ( D-MI ) is also running for re-election this year .
The freshman @ @ @ @ @ to discuss running a re-election campaign during Covid-19 , the impact of the virus on @ @ @ @ @ what Michiganders are looking for in the 2020 presidential candidates and the impact of the @ @ @ @ @ .
What will travel look like after the coronavirus ?
The outbreak has hit both @ @ @ @ @ hard .
Now that states are reopening again and summer is approaching , what are @ @ @ @ @ can expect when it comes to going on vacation , travelling to work and heading @ @ @ @ @ people have the confidence to go out at all ?
Travel analyst Mark Murphy weighs @ @

President Trump won the state of Michigan in the 2016 presidential election, but the swing state is up for grabs in November. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) is also running for re-election this year. The freshman Congresswoman joined the ‘Rundown’ to discuss running a re-election campaign during Covid-19, the impact of the virus on the state of Michigan, what Michiganders are looking for in the 2020 presidential candidates and the impact of the recent flooding in her state.
What will travel look like after the coronavirus? The outbreak has hit both the airline and hotel industry hard. Now that states are reopening again and summer is approaching, what are some of the changes we can expect when it comes to going on vacation, travelling to work and heading abroad? Also, will people have the confidence to go out at all? Travel analyst Mark Murphy weighs in.
Plus, commentary by FOX Nation host Tom Shillue.


radio--2020-05-20--Dr. Ben Carson On What The Department Of Housing & Urban Development Is Doing To Aid Those Affected

Dr. Ben Carson On What The Department Of Housing & Urban Development Is Doing To Aid Those Affected By Coronavirus

Dr. Ben Carson Secretary of Housing & Urban Development talked to Guy Benson Of Fox News Radio on What The Department Of Housing & Urban Development Is Doing To Aid American 's Affected By Coronavirus .
Secretary Carson said , Listen To The Full Interview Below : Guy Benson : It 's our final hour of the Guy Benson Show , the happy hour .
Glad to have you along .
I 'm Guy Benson broadcasting from my house wherever you happen to be .
Thank you for being here .
Guy Benson , show wsj.com for all the ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also for the free podcast .
Other options on that free podcast .
I-Tunes Spotify subscription is free .
If you want to subscribe to the guy Benson , show podcasts each and every day .
Very pleased to welcome into the program Dr. Ben Carson .
He is the secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Trump administration .
Dr. Carson , Mr. Secretary , great to have you here .
Secretary Carson [ 00:01:05 ] Thank you .
Nice to be with you .
Guy Benson : I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , had a very successful career in medicine .
And from that perspective , in your opinion , your medical opinion .
Are we getting our arms around this disease in a way that is making you feel a little bit more comfortable and what are kind of the signposts of progress that you 're keeping an eye on ?
Secretary Carson : I do .
I definitely think we 've learned a lot about this disease .
The good thing is that almost everybody now knows about the kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of hand-washing , being careful about what you touch , in terms of social distancing , in terms of wearing mask in appropriate settings .
So that is a sort of institutional memory now and it 'll take a while for us to relinquish those things even after the virus has gone .
But also , there 's been tremendous amount of progress made in terms of research , both in terms of a vaccine and in terms of treatment .
There are some incredibly exciting things going on .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very shortly .
And you cope .
Couple that with the fact that the American people are not people who like to just sit around and are quite happy to do nothing and to be paid for doing that .
That 's that 's not who we are as a nation .
And that 's beginning to manifest itself in the streets of our cities , particularly when they 're a little slower open .
But I think if we use the knowledge that we have , we can absolutely open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save the economy at the same time .
Guy Benson : You mentioned therapies and possible vaccines .
It seems like we 've gotten sort of tantalizing glimpses at hopeful signs on both of those fronts , but nothing quite deliverable yet .
Are you surprised at the rapid pace at which the vaccine news has come ?
Because , I mean , we got human trials now , multiple different vaccine candidates in human trials with some promising results and then dozens in the field in terms of therapeutics .
What 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of making progress on both of those fronts ?
When do you think Americans might be able to circle on their calendar roughly to say , OK , help is on the way eventually , but when will the vaccine front ?
I mean , this is warp speed that the way that the barriers have been taken down , the way that the FDA has has worked to allow multiple tests to be going on simultaneously .
And as far as the therapeutics is concerned .
You know , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over the place , people saying we have the answer .
This is it .
It 's almost humorous , but some of them are actually very good .
And those have been sent on for further analysis and some of them are moving along very nicely .
So I really think if we do have a recurrence in the fall , as some people are predicting , I 'm not sure whether that 's actually going to happen , but let 's say it does .
I think we 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We saw yesterday a cabinet meeting in the East ROOM of the White House where the president was presiding .
And we heard from Vise , President Pence and cabinet secretaries going sort of around the room .
If you were to give an update to my audience about what you 've been doing at Housing and Urban Development in your fiefdom , your area of the federal government , vis-a-vis coronavirus .
What are some of the big top line bullet point items that you think people need to know ?
Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early on we establish a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions so that people do n't need to be worried about losing their home while they 're worried about their own health and the well-being of their families very early on .
We contacted all the CEOs , sees continuum of care organizations associated with homelessness problems and made sure that they knew what to do if , in fact , one of the people became infected .
And we provided the mechanism and the resources to be able to isolate such people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to occur .
That was done early and aggressively .
I believe that 's the reason that we have n't seen the disaster that was predicted among the homeless population .
But we continue to be very , very vigilant about that .
And , of course , you know , we have been concerned about people who live in subsidized housing as well , particularly a lot of them who served on the front lines and have made resources available for them in terms of increased subsidies and .
Other things we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to the disabled to make sure that they 're not negatively impacted by this whole process .
Guy Benson : I want to ask you about the moratorium that you mentioned on foreclosures .
That makes sense .
Certainly in the short term , I think to give people some relief because there 's enough stress and anxiety and problems going around as it is as we start to transition back to something even in the ballpark of normalcy .
What 's the plan to start to enforce ?
You know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way that makes sense for both parties ?
Secretary Carson : Well , keep in mind , with FHA , we have a variety of different types of forbearance depending on the situation .
Most common would probably be the partial claim in which you can take the payments that you missed .
And they 're amalgamated into a sub mortgage which is tacked onto the end of your forward mortgage .
So you do n't have to pay it until you 've finished paying the mortgage on your house or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Yeah .
And and and that 's done interest free .
So it really should not have a a large impact .
And those are the kinds of things that we 've been looking at .
And also we 're concerned about , you know , the servicers and the landlords and all of those people .
We 've made provisions for all of them because of a domino effect .
You ca n't just have one section and think the rest of the system is going to work .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that this came on the back of a very strong economy , unlike in 2008 when you had the housing crisis on the back of an incredibly weak economy .
And it took for ever , you know , to to reestablish economic e-vite viability .
That 's not going to happen this time .
That economic infrastructure is still in place .
All we have to do is really bridge the gap so that we can continue on that on that real upward road .
We recognize that some businesses will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a forest fire burns off the underbrush .
But what happens after that ?
You get a lot of new growth , and that 's exactly what we 're going to see .
Guy Benson : Our guest is Dr. Ben Carson , the secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration .
You and your .
Department have received billions of dollars through the Carers Act , which is something that passed on a massive bipartisan basis .
A lot of Americans were glad to see Congress act .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to do so .
There were some delays along the way .
But Americans also want to know , OK , where is all of that money going ?
We 're talking about unbelievable sums .
And you 've got , you know , billions of dollars now flowing into into HUD .
Where 's that money going ?
Secretary Carson : Well , about five billion of it goes to the CBG .
That 's community block grant programs which already exist , which made it possible for us very quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grant programs that were already in existence .
We also made it possible for people who had CBG money already to repurpose that money to focus on the cobh at 19 response .
And then there was four billion dollars that went to the ESG program Emergency Solutions Grants , and this specifically aimed at homeless people supporting the ones that are there , creating new shelters , providing vouchers , hotel rooms , etc .
so that we could get people away from each other so that they could socially distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it went to the tenant base rental assistance billion to project based rental assistance , section 8 , 64 million for housing for people with aids , 50 million for elderly , 15000000 for disabled .
So as you mentioned , a lot of money .
Guy Benson : I want to ask one more series of questions or at least one more topic .
And you mentioned elderly people for a lot of Americans who are in the most vulnerable demographics .
Their housing , their home is a nursing home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disaster in nursing homes , especially in certain states where you 're seeing pluralities , even majorities .
In some cases , supermajorities of deaths in a given state are occurring inside nursing homes .
And we 're seeing different states respond differently .
We talked earlier in the show about Florida , how they were able to adapt pretty early and make some good decisions .
And other states have struggled and are sort of trying to reverse some of their errors .
Are you involved at all in trying to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that are getting it right are helping the states maybe that are struggling to to turn the corner ?
Secretary Carson : Well , we know we do n't have a direct role in the management of nursing homes , although we do provide the insurance for a lot of their mortgages .
So that 's that 's the primary impact .
But I 've been very concerned about that .
Have been vocal about that .
You know , I 'm on the Corona virus task force .
And I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rather nihilistic attitude toward elderly people in nursing homes .
They say , well , they 're going to die anyway .
I think that is completely the wrong attitude to take .
And the ones who are doing it right are recognizing very quickly that there are a lot of practices that were going on there that would not guard against the transmission of the disease .
And they 're taking the steps necessary .
So I think in the long run , all of the nursing home variables are changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulatory changes in the nursing homes .
And I think it will have a profoundly beneficial effect for us going forward .
Guy Benson : Finally , Dr. Carson , since you invoked the White House task force on which you serve on coronavirus , are you satisfied that the plan that was rolled out by the administration on reopening and the phased , you know , Phase 1 , 2 and 3 , the phased approach with different gating criteria and thresholds in that sort of thing ?
Are you satisfied that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if not the letter of that guidance ?
Or are you concerned in some of these states .
Secretary Carson : Some of the states are posing a little bit of concern because some of the leaders do n't seem to fully understand the implications of the guidelines that were given .
But most of them seem to be coming around now .
All 50 states are reopening at this point .
And what will really cause the correct speed ?
In terms of opening , are the people , the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yes , there are big spikes and yes , we better pull back or no , there are no big spikes and things are going along great .
And let 's move on .
Let 's move ahead .
That 's exactly what we 're seeing .
Guy Benson : That 's why good reliable data is also really important in all of this , not just for leaders , but for the American people , as you point out .
Dr. Ben Carson , who had a long and distinguished career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development , my guest here on the Guy Benson Show .
Dr. Mr. Secretary , thank you very much for your time today .
Guy Benson : We will step aside as the final hour chugs ahead after this break .
Guy Bensen show more next .

Dr. Ben Carson Secretary of Housing & Urban Development talked to Guy Benson Of Fox News Radio on What The Department Of Housing & Urban Development Is Doing To Aid American’s Affected By Coronavirus. Secretary Carson said,
“very early on we establish a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions so that people don’t need to be worried about losing their home while they’re worried about their own health and the well-being of their families very early on. We contacted all the CEOs, sees continuum of care organizations associated with homelessness problems and made sure that they knew what to do if, in fact, one of the people became infected. And we provided the mechanism and the resources to be able to isolate such people and to treat such people if that were to occur. That was done early and aggressively.”
Listen To The Full Interview Below:
Full Transcript:
Guy Benson: It’s our final hour of the Guy Benson Show, the happy hour. Glad to have you along. I’m Guy Benson broadcasting from my house wherever you happen to be. Thank you for being here. Guy Benson, show wsj.com for all the ways to listen live. Guy Benson Show.com also for the free podcast. Other options on that free podcast. I-Tunes Spotify subscription is free. If you want to subscribe to the guy Benson, show podcasts each and every day. Very pleased to welcome into the program Dr. Ben Carson. He is the secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Trump administration. Dr. Carson, Mr. Secretary, great to have you here.
Secretary Carson [00:01:05] Thank you. Nice to be with you.
Guy Benson: I want to start with your medical background. You, of course, had a very successful career in medicine. And from that perspective, in your opinion, your medical opinion. Are we getting our arms around this disease in a way that is making you feel a little bit more comfortable and what are kind of the signposts of progress that you’re keeping an eye on?
Secretary Carson: I do. I definitely think we’ve learned a lot about this disease. The good thing is that almost everybody now knows about the kind of personal hygiene that keeps us safe in terms of hand-washing, being careful about what you touch, in terms of social distancing, in terms of wearing mask in appropriate settings. So that is a sort of institutional memory now and it’ll take a while for us to relinquish those things even after the virus has gone. But also, there’s been tremendous amount of progress made in terms of research, both in terms of a vaccine and in terms of treatment. There are some incredibly exciting things going on. I think we’ll be hearing about them very, very shortly. And you cope. Couple that with the fact that the American people are not people who like to just sit around and are quite happy to do nothing and to be paid for doing that. That’s that’s not who we are as a nation. And that’s beginning to manifest itself in the streets of our cities, particularly when they’re a little slower open. But I think if we use the knowledge that we have, we can absolutely open safely and it saves peoples lives and save the economy at the same time.
Guy Benson: You mentioned therapies and possible vaccines. It seems like we’ve gotten sort of tantalizing glimpses at hopeful signs on both of those fronts, but nothing quite deliverable yet. Are you surprised at the rapid pace at which the vaccine news has come? Because, I mean, we got human trials now, multiple different vaccine candidates in human trials with some promising results and then dozens in the field in terms of therapeutics. What’s your sense of how we’re doing in terms of making progress on both of those fronts? When do you think Americans might be able to circle on their calendar roughly to say, OK, help is on the way eventually, but when will the vaccine front? I mean, this is warp speed that the way that the barriers have been taken down, the way that the FDA has has worked to allow multiple tests to be going on simultaneously. And as far as the therapeutics is concerned. You know, I get tons of stuff every week from all over the place, people saying we have the answer. This is it. It’s almost humorous, but some of them are actually very good. And those have been sent on for further analysis and some of them are moving along very nicely. So I really think if we do have a recurrence in the fall, as some people are predicting, I’m not sure whether that’s actually going to happen, but let’s say it does. I think we’ll be well-prepared for it.
Guy Benson: We saw yesterday a cabinet meeting in the East ROOM of the White House where the president was presiding. And we heard from Vise, President Pence and cabinet secretaries going sort of around the room. If you were to give an update to my audience about what you’ve been doing at Housing and Urban Development in your fiefdom, your area of the federal government, vis-a-vis coronavirus. What are some of the big top line bullet point items that you think people need to know?
Secretary Carson: Well, obviously, very early on we establish a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions so that people don’t need to be worried about losing their home while they’re worried about their own health and the well-being of their families very early on. We contacted all the CEOs, sees continuum of care organizations associated with homelessness problems and made sure that they knew what to do if, in fact, one of the people became infected. And we provided the mechanism and the resources to be able to isolate such people and to treat such people if that were to occur. That was done early and aggressively. I believe that’s the reason that we haven’t seen the disaster that was predicted among the homeless population. But we continue to be very, very vigilant about that. And, of course, you know, we have been concerned about people who live in subsidized housing as well, particularly a lot of them who served on the front lines and have made resources available for them in terms of increased subsidies and. Other things we’ve taken particular attention to the elderly and to the disabled to make sure that they’re not negatively impacted by this whole process.
Guy Benson: I want to ask you about the moratorium that you mentioned on foreclosures. That makes sense. Certainly in the short term, I think to give people some relief because there’s enough stress and anxiety and problems going around as it is as we start to transition back to something even in the ballpark of normalcy. What’s the plan to start to enforce? You know, rents or mortgage payments, again, in a way that makes sense for both parties?
Secretary Carson: Well, keep in mind, with FHA, we have a variety of different types of forbearance depending on the situation. Most common would probably be the partial claim in which you can take the payments that you missed. And they’re amalgamated into a sub mortgage which is tacked onto the end of your forward mortgage. So you don’t have to pay it until you’ve finished paying the mortgage on your house or until you sell like on the out years. Yeah. And and and that’s done interest free. So it really should not have a a large impact. And those are the kinds of things that we’ve been looking at. And also we’re concerned about, you know, the servicers and the landlords and all of those people. We’ve made provisions for all of them because of a domino effect. You can’t just have one section and think the rest of the system is going to work. And the thing that we realize the most is that this came on the back of a very strong economy, unlike in 2008 when you had the housing crisis on the back of an incredibly weak economy. And it took for ever, you know, to to reestablish economic e-vite viability. That’s not going to happen this time. That economic infrastructure is still in place. All we have to do is really bridge the gap so that we can continue on that on that real upward road. We recognize that some businesses will not survive. It’s sort of like a forest fire burns off the underbrush. But what happens after that? You get a lot of new growth, and that’s exactly what we’re going to see.
Guy Benson: Our guest is Dr. Ben Carson, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration. You and your. Department have received billions of dollars through the Carers Act, which is something that passed on a massive bipartisan basis. A lot of Americans were glad to see Congress act. I was, of course, urging them to do so. There were some delays along the way. But Americans also want to know, OK, where is all of that money going? We’re talking about unbelievable sums. And you’ve got, you know, billions of dollars now flowing into into HUD. Where’s that money going?
Secretary Carson: Well, about five billion of it goes to the CBG. That’s community block grant programs which already exist, which made it possible for us very quickly to be able to allocate funding through the grant programs that were already in existence. We also made it possible for people who had CBG money already to repurpose that money to focus on the cobh at 19 response. And then there was four billion dollars that went to the ESG program Emergency Solutions Grants, and this specifically aimed at homeless people supporting the ones that are there, creating new shelters, providing vouchers, hotel rooms, etc. so that we could get people away from each other so that they could socially distance. One point to five billion of it went to the tenant base rental assistance billion to project based rental assistance, section 8, 64 million for housing for people with aids, 50 million for elderly, 15000000 for disabled. So as you mentioned, a lot of money.
Guy Benson: I want to ask one more series of questions or at least one more topic. And you mentioned elderly people for a lot of Americans who are in the most vulnerable demographics. Their housing, their home is a nursing home. And this has been just an absolute disaster in nursing homes, especially in certain states where you’re seeing pluralities, even majorities. In some cases, supermajorities of deaths in a given state are occurring inside nursing homes. And we’re seeing different states respond differently. We talked earlier in the show about Florida, how they were able to adapt pretty early and make some good decisions. And other states have struggled and are sort of trying to reverse some of their errors. Are you involved at all in trying to identify best practices and make sure that the states that are getting it right are helping the states maybe that are struggling to to turn the corner?
Secretary Carson: Well, we know we don’t have a direct role in the management of nursing homes, although we do provide the insurance for a lot of their mortgages. So that’s that’s the primary impact. But I’ve been very concerned about that. Have been vocal about that. You know, I’m on the Corona virus task force. And I think, you know, some people have a rather nihilistic attitude toward elderly people in nursing homes. They say, well, they’re going to die anyway. I think that is completely the wrong attitude to take. And the ones who are doing it right are recognizing very quickly that there are a lot of practices that were going on there that would not guard against the transmission of the disease. And they’re taking the steps necessary. So I think in the long run, all of the nursing home variables are changing. You know, cims is making regulatory changes in the nursing homes. And I think it will have a profoundly beneficial effect for us going forward.
Guy Benson: Finally, Dr. Carson, since you invoked the White House task force on which you serve on coronavirus, are you satisfied that the plan that was rolled out by the administration on reopening and the phased, you know, Phase 1, 2 and 3, the phased approach with different gating criteria and thresholds in that sort of thing? Are you satisfied that leaders in states are following the spirit, if not the letter of that guidance? Or are you concerned in some of these states.
Secretary Carson: Some of the states are posing a little bit of concern because some of the leaders don’t seem to fully understand the implications of the guidelines that were given. But most of them seem to be coming around now. All 50 states are reopening at this point. And what will really cause the correct speed? In terms of opening, are the people, the people themselves, the people will see that. Yes, there are big spikes and yes, we better pull back or no, there are no big spikes and things are going along great. And let’s move on. Let’s move ahead. That’s exactly what we’re seeing.
Guy Benson: That’s why good reliable data is also really important in all of this, not just for leaders, but for the American people, as you point out. Dr. Ben Carson, who had a long and distinguished career in medicine, who is currently the U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development, my guest here on the Guy Benson Show. Dr. Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for your time today.
Secretary Carson: A pleasure. Thank you.
Guy Benson: We will step aside as the final hour chugs ahead after this break. Guy Bensen show more next.


radio--2020-03-07--FOX News Rundown Extra: Charles Payne on the Economic Impact of the Coronavirus

President Trump signed an $ 8.3 billion bipartisan spending bill on Friday to help fight the coronavirus outbreak .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ host of `` Making Money with Charles Payne '' on FOX Business joined the FOX @ @ @ @ @ the global economic impact of the coronavirus .
Payne discusses , with host Lisa Brady @ @ @ @ @ affecting businesses , the travel industry and stocks .
He explains why he thinks the @ @ @ @ @ economic hit to the U.S. and what it 's like reporting on the illness without @ @ @ @ @ economically and medically .
Payne also talks about his book `` Unstoppable Prosperity . ''
@ @ @ @ @ wrote the book and why he thinks it is helpful for anyone who is interested @ @ @ @ @ , but may be nervous to do it .
You 'll hear all of this @ @ @ @ @ anchor Charles Payne on The Fox News Rundown Extra .

President Trump signed an $8.3 billion bipartisan spending bill on Friday to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week, Charles Payne host of “Making Money with Charles Payne” on FOX Business joined the FOX News Rundown to talk about the global economic impact of the coronavirus.
Payne discusses, with host Lisa Brady, how the coronavirus is affecting businesses, the travel industry and stocks. He explains why he thinks the illness will be short term economic hit to the U.S. and what it’s like reporting on the illness without causing a mass hysteria both economically and medically.
Payne also talks about his book “Unstoppable Prosperity.” He tells us why he wrote the book and why he thinks it is helpful for anyone who is interested in investing the stock market, but may be nervous to do it.
You’ll hear all of this and more from Fox Business anchor Charles Payne on The Fox News Rundown Extra.


radio--2020-04-26--Fox News Rundown Extra: Sen. Tim Scott Gets Candid About Race, Family and President Trump

Senator Tim Scott is one of the biggest name in Washington .
The South Carolina Republican is generally respected on @ @ @ @ @ and has been a leader on big issues facing the country .
We did ask @ @ @ @ @ and the economic challenges facing America , but much of the time was spent on @ @ @ @ @ life in politics .
We could not get the entire conversation in the segment that @ @ @ @ @ we thought we 'd let you hear it on the Fox News Rundown Extra .
@ @ @ @ @ whole conversation , you will hear about his relationship with President , his views about @ @ @ @ @ he faces as being the only black Republican in the Senate .

Senator Tim Scott is one of the biggest name in Washington.
The South Carolina Republican is generally respected on both sides of the aisle and has been a leader on big issues facing the country.
Recently, Sen. Scott joined host Dave Anthony on the Fox News Rundown.
We did ask the Senator about the coronavirus and the economic challenges facing America, but much of the time was spent on his incredible story and unique life in politics.
We could not get the entire conversation in the segment that ran this week, so we thought we’d let you hear it on the Fox News Rundown Extra.
As you listen to the whole conversation, you will hear about his relationship with President, his views about our country and the challenges he faces as being the only black Republican in the Senate.


radio--2020-03-05--"It's A Tough Day To Be A Democrat": Lara Trump On Biden, Sanders & Bloomberg

Suddenly former Vice President Joe Biden is the frontrunner in a shrinking pool of Democrat candidates in the 2020 Presidential @ @ @ @ @ senior campaign advisor Lara Trump talks about her father-in-law 's campaign , the Democrats who @ @ @ @ @ him and the end of Mike Bloomberg 's candidacy .
Across the country and around @ @ @ @ @ and businesses are being affected by fears of the coronavirus spreading .
Charles Payne , @ @ @ @ @ with Charles Payne '' on FOX Business discusses the economic impact of the coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ reporting the health concern .
Plus , commentary by Co-Host of the Tyrus and Timpf @ @ @ @ @

Suddenly former Vice President Joe Biden is the frontrunner in a shrinking pool of Democrat candidates in the 2020 Presidential race. President Trump’s senior campaign advisor Lara Trump talks about her father-in-law’s campaign, the Democrats who are still left to oppose him and the end of Mike Bloomberg’s candidacy.
Across the country and around the globe, airline industries and businesses are being affected by fears of the coronavirus spreading. Charles Payne, host of “Making Money with Charles Payne” on FOX Business discusses the economic impact of the coronavirus and the media’s role in reporting the health concern.
Plus, commentary by Co-Host of the Tyrus and Timpf podcast, Kat Timpf.


radio--2020-03-04--Gen. Jack Keane On Presidential Medal Of Freedom Announcement: "Shocked And Overwhelmed"

Next week , President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane .
This prestigious award is the Nation 's highest civilian honor , which may be awarded by the President to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States , to world peace , or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors .
Fox News Radio 's Guy Benson sat down with General Jack Keane for his first public statement Transcript : Guy Benson : A brand new hour on the Guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in Washington , D.C. , the Web site here , Guy Benson show dot com .
Check it out .
Our exclusive interview with the U.S. surgeon general will be posted shortly at Guy Benson Show dot com .
You can also just subscribe to the full podcast , which is free .
That 's also available on i-Tunes .
Just a quick update .
The Dow is skyrocketing .
It is up well over 1000 points now , over 11 hundred points today .
It 's been a bumpy roller coaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks with coronavirus and political questions and on the politics piece .
We will , of course , return to Super Tuesday with more in-depth analysis and commentary on that .
But before we delve back into the world of politics , I want to step into foreign policy and national security .
We talked yesterday with Stephen Hayes about this alleged peace deal between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan and all of the potential pitfalls there .
It is fraught with risk .
But President Trump campaigned on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration is trying to do so , but it 's not going necessarily all that smoothly so far .
Joining me now to discuss that issue and more is General Jack Keane , retired four star general chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and Fox News senior strategic analyst .
General , it 's great to have you back .
Gen. Keane : Yes .
Delighted to be here always .
Guy Benson : General , before we get to Afghanistan and the Taliban issue ?
Just I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 'll just indulge me .
I believe this is the first interview that you 've given since an announcement was made public by the White House .
I saw on Twitter The New York Times reporting that the White House announcing earlier today that President Trump will award you with the Presidential Medal of Freedom next week , calling you , quote , a well-respected foreign policy and national security expert .
The White House statement adding General Keane has devoted his life to keeping America safe and strong .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press secretary and their press release , quote , Next week , President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane .
This prestigious award is the nation 's highest civilian honor , which may be awarded by the president to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States , to world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors .
General , just your reaction to this incredible honor that will be bestowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of days ?
Gen. Keane : Well , when the president called to tell me about this a number of months ago , I was to be frank about it .
Shocked and overwhelmed by it .
No one expects that honor like this .
And I frankly , I told him I do n't think I deserve it .
To Be honest with it .
And he said , you know , someone told me you were going to say that .
But like any award that you received , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of .
You know , all the people that really helped you on the way to do whatever you were trying to do with your life .
And so I 'm no different than anybody else out there .
We 'll have a lot of love in my life .
A lot of purpose and meaning associated with trying to protect this country as a soldier and then trying to also advocate for the security of the country .
As a retired general officer and , you know , foreign policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to be honest with you .
Guy Benson : And it has to be really fulfilling and gratifying .
I mean , if you take a moment and step back to take stock or take inventory of your life and to see the White House put out a press release that says that you 're a well respected foreign policy and national security expert who has devoted your life to keeping America safe and strong , that has to that has to move you .
I mean , you have served this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the service of this country and to have this level of recognition in this extremely high profile way .
That 's got ta stir something and really feel like some decisions that you made very early on in your life were exactly the right ones for you and for the country .
Gen. Keane : You know , I had 16 years a Catholic education brought up in a working class family .
Father was a World War 2 , Marine .
I lived on a low income city housing project in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , you know , the values of that education and my working class parents .
I attended a Jesuit school by the name of Fordham And the under the current in the school was not that your focus should be on public service , but you should have a sense of giving things back , you know , and finding ways to do that .
And I had an aptitude for the military that I found that as a result of ROTC and when I was leaving college , I was married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could make a career out of it .
I volunteered for Vietnam after the war .
I went and came , was confronted with the seriousness of human life and what it means to all of us .
And I became a a training zealot as a result of the enormously respectful of human life , given the fact that I was involved in an enterprise that was taking human lives .
And as a result of that , it be it was a major turning point in my life .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it changed me in terms of my dedication , my sense of purpose , my determination .
And I was just very determined to make certain that the organizations that I was had responsibility for were truly prepared for combat .
So I demanded very high standards of the people in the organization training them very hard and spent a lifetime of service associated with heroes , you know , and it propelled me forward and just kept my head down and tried to do the best , the best I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the next major launch point for me before I left government service was 9/11 .
So it was another war and I left government service .
My wife was ill and I left largely because of that .
But for the remaining years , for the next 16 years , I was driven by having been in the Pentagon on 9/11 and lost 85 teammates .
So I saw up close what this war was about .
It became personal for me and I never let go of that emotion that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then it drove me to stay involved in national security in a way that I never actually imagined I would do .
As a retired officer , by all accounts , 16 years later and I 'm still engaged .
Guy Benson : Yeah , and very influential in your current perch in the media .
And it 's just interesting that you would say that you kept your head down .
You kept your head down all the way to the rank of a Four-Star General .
And I just want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues of the day and you are an expert , which is why we have you on here at this show , we are huge fans of yours .
We respect you immensely , given what you just said and just reminded us of your biography and your background .
We just want to thank you always for your service to this country and just issue our most heartfelt congratulations for this honor .
Again , if you just joined us , the Presidential Medal of Freedom will be bestowed next week upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president of the United States .
And he might not think it 's deserved , but we certainly do .
So congratulations and thank you , General Keane .

Next week, President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane. This prestigious award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, which may be awarded by the President to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Fox News Radio’s Guy Benson sat down with General Jack Keane for his first public statement
Listen Below:
Transcript:
Guy Benson: A brand new hour on the Guy Benson Show. I’m Guy Benson live in Washington, D.C., the Web site here, Guy Benson show dot com. Check it out. Our exclusive interview with the U.S. surgeon general will be posted shortly at Guy Benson Show dot com. You can also just subscribe to the full podcast, which is free. That’s also available on i-Tunes. Just a quick update. The Dow is skyrocketing. It is up well over 1000 points now, over 11 hundred points today. It’s been a bumpy roller coaster ride for the markets over the last two weeks with coronavirus and political questions and on the politics piece. We will, of course, return to Super Tuesday with more in-depth analysis and commentary on that. But before we delve back into the world of politics, I want to step into foreign policy and national security. We talked yesterday with Stephen Hayes about this alleged peace deal between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan and all of the potential pitfalls there. It is fraught with risk. But President Trump campaigned on ending the war in Afghanistan. His administration is trying to do so, but it’s not going necessarily all that smoothly so far. Joining me now to discuss that issue and more is General Jack Keane, retired four star general chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and Fox News senior strategic analyst. General, it’s great to have you back.
Gen. Keane: Yes. Delighted to be here always.
Guy Benson: General, before we get to Afghanistan and the Taliban issue? Just I have to ask you a personal question. If you’ll just indulge me. I believe this is the first interview that you’ve given since an announcement was made public by the White House. I saw on Twitter The New York Times reporting that the White House announcing earlier today that President Trump will award you with the Presidential Medal of Freedom next week, calling you, quote, a well-respected foreign policy and national security expert. The White House statement adding General Keane has devoted his life to keeping America safe and strong. I’m going now directly to the office of the press secretary and their press release, quote, Next week, President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Jack Keane. This prestigious award is the nation’s highest civilian honor, which may be awarded by the president to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. General, just your reaction to this incredible honor that will be bestowed upon you by the president in a matter of days?
Gen. Keane: Well, when the president called to tell me about this a number of months ago, I was to be frank about it. Shocked and overwhelmed by it. No one expects that honor like this. And I frankly, I told him I don’t think I deserve it. To Be honest with it. And he said, you know, someone told me you were going to say that. But like any award that you received, they are very humbling experiences you just immediately think of. You know, all the people that really helped you on the way to do whatever you were trying to do with your life. And so I’m no different than anybody else out there. We’ll have a lot of love in my life. A lot of purpose and meaning associated with trying to protect this country as a soldier and then trying to also advocate for the security of the country. As a retired general officer and, you know, foreign policy and national security analysts. It’s overwhelming, to be honest with you.
Guy Benson: And it has to be really fulfilling and gratifying. I mean, if you take a moment and step back to take stock or take inventory of your life and to see the White House put out a press release that says that you’re a well respected foreign policy and national security expert who has devoted your life to keeping America safe and strong, that has to that has to move you. I mean, you have served this country. You devoted your life to the service of this country and to have this level of recognition in this extremely high profile way. That’s gotta stir something and really feel like some decisions that you made very early on in your life were exactly the right ones for you and for the country.
Gen. Keane: You know, I had 16 years a Catholic education brought up in a working class family. Father was a World War 2, Marine. I lived on a low income city housing project in my formative years in New York City. But, you know, the values of that education and my working class parents. I attended a Jesuit school by the name of Fordham And the under the current in the school was not that your focus should be on public service, but you should have a sense of giving things back, you know, and finding ways to do that. And I had an aptitude for the military that I found that as a result of ROTC and when I was leaving college, I was married and I thought there was a possibility I could make a career out of it. I volunteered for Vietnam after the war. I went and came, was confronted with the seriousness of human life and what it means to all of us. And I became a a training zealot as a result of the enormously respectful of human life, given the fact that I was involved in an enterprise that was taking human lives. And as a result of that, it be it was a major turning point in my life. It changed me completely, changed my values, but it changed me in terms of my dedication, my sense of purpose, my determination. And I was just very determined to make certain that the organizations that I was had responsibility for were truly prepared for combat. So I demanded very high standards of the people in the organization training them very hard and spent a lifetime of service associated with heroes, you know, and it propelled me forward and just kept my head down and tried to do the best, the best I could. When I left government service, the next major launch point for me before I left government service was 9/11. So it was another war and I left government service. My wife was ill and I left largely because of that. But for the remaining years, for the next 16 years, I was driven by having been in the Pentagon on 9/11 and lost 85 teammates. So I saw up close what this war was about. It became personal for me and I never let go of that emotion that I felt about that loss of life. Then it drove me to stay involved in national security in a way that I never actually imagined I would do. As a retired officer, by all accounts, 16 years later and I’m still engaged.
Guy Benson: Yeah, and very influential in your current perch in the media. And it’s just interesting that you would say that you kept your head down. You kept your head down all the way to the rank of a Four-Star General. And I just want to say before we move on to the issues of the day and you are an expert, which is why we have you on here at this show, we are huge fans of yours. We respect you immensely, given what you just said and just reminded us of your biography and your background. We just want to thank you always for your service to this country and just issue our most heartfelt congratulations for this honor. Again, if you just joined us, the Presidential Medal of Freedom will be bestowed next week upon our guest. General Jack Keane by the president of the United States. And he might not think it’s deserved, but we certainly do. So congratulations and thank you, General Keane.