How bad is the corruption in the State Department?

February 26, 2015

Writer

Last night, Glenn was joined by TheBlaze’s Sara Carter to discuss the arrest of Senior State Department official Daniel Rosen. Rosen was arrested Tuesday afternoon for allegedly soliciting a juvenile. How far does the corruption in the State Department go? Sara reveals some of the shocking details she has uncovered as part of the ‘For The Record’ team with Glenn.

Glenn: I want to say a special note to our team in Ohio, our documentary film team for TheBlaze. They are unsung heroes of this network. You don’t really ever hear them or see them. Somebody is always up front presenting the material that they work long and hard year round, and these guys, I have to tell you, depression medication was made for them because they see the worst of the worst and then have to try to figure out how to present it.

Sara Carter is the senior investigative correspondent now for TheBlaze and For the Record. She broke the story last night of Daniel Rosen on TheBlaze. She joins us now from Washington, D.C. Sara, this is not the first time you have worked with our sources on Daniel Rosen. You knew about this guy for quite some time.

Sara: Yeah, you know, this goes back years, Glenn, maybe even more than ten years when I was working with sources overseas that were connected with State Department. There was a lot of concern among many of my sources, some of them whistleblowers inside USCIS which is United States Immigration and Citizenship Services and other departments that there was extensive corruption within the State Department. A lot of these men like Daniel Rosen who was trying to solicit a minor would go overseas and have, according to the sources, sex with minors, solicit prostitution, use of illegal drugs, and you’ve got to think, Glenn, these are the people, just like you talked about, that are negotiating with foreign governments, that are the liaisons between the United States, the information that they are receiving and also our intelligence agencies like the CIA and the NSA. So, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard about Rosen and others like him.

Glenn: Right, and if we know it, certainly our adversaries know this. Now, I want to talk specifically about Rosen because this is rampant in the State Department. There’s a lot of this going on. We have heard horrifying stories of sex with underage boys and underage girls in foreign countries, just truly evil, despicable things that are pushed under the carpet at the State Department. It’s my understanding that the State Department did watch For the Record last year and were kind of shaken a bit by it because somebody is finally onto them, but this guy, he is a counterintelligence guy. So, tell me the danger that he would pose to us had he not been caught by one of our people, instead he was caught, you know, if he would’ve been caught by somebody else.

Sara: Well, we don’t even know. I mean, he’s been in this position for quite some time, since 2008. He is the Counterterrorism Director of the State Department. He is our liaison to our other intelligence agencies when he’s working overseas. How do we know? We really don’t know yet if while he was overseas he was soliciting minors, if other intelligence, foreign intelligence networks gathered that information, and he could have been leaking this information.

Rosen had the highest level security clearance that you can get in the United States. This top-secret security clearance requires a polygraph examination. I am stunned that he actually passed his polygraphs, because one of the questions, and James Clapper talked about this the other day, is have you ever committed a crime? So, it doesn’t say were you ever charged with a crime, have you ever committed a crime, so we would have had to answer that question under a poly by a professional polygraph person.

These people hold onto their jobs, and it’s unbeknownst to me how they can do it. You’re right, this is a direct national security threat. You know, he is not the only one. Other people within the State Department, other whistleblowers have brought forth charges. A lot of these charges are under seal right now, Glenn. We’re not allowed to talk about them. We have heard that they are being held right now. Congress can go ahead and investigate if they so choose. They have not done this yet, but I can tell you this, it doesn’t stop with Rosen.

Glenn: Why, why haven’t they chosen?

Sara: That is the same question I keep asking members of Congress, and I never get a direct answer.

Glenn: Could I ask you this, Sara, could a guy like this, let’s say somebody comes into the country, and he is earmarked a terrorist of the highest level, could he get him in and then remove that earmark from his record, just have that disappear, and all of a sudden all of the stuff that we had gathered on that, let’s say it was a Saudi citizen, is that possible, that this guy could have been responsible?

Sara: Yeah, Glenn, I’m going to tell you that’s not only possible, I believe it’s happened in the past. I was privy to an alien file which was a document that was a screenshot from the Kansas City, Missouri processing center. This is where we give people visas. You know, they of the list of people that are applying for visas. I actually saw documentation that showed that a contractor was changing people’s A-Files from visitor visas and student visas to full citizenship. That’s impossible to do unless you have access to these systems. So yes, I don’t know about Rosen, I don’t have evidence that Rosen did this, but it is definitely possible. This is the seriousness of these charges. Not only is it abhorrent behavior that we look at it, and it’s inhumane, it’s wrong, it’s despicable.

Glenn: No, it’s evil. It’s evil. When I heard the charges, not just necessarily from Rosen, I’ve heard them on the other charges, and I know you’ve seen them as well because you guys have been investigating this for over a year. I mean, honestly, Sara, it makes me say there’s no way for our country to survive. If we put up with this kind of evil in our people’s name, and we are abusing children, underage children, there’s no way we can survive. I don’t believe in my country anymore, because if the State Department won’t do something, who will? They look the other way.

Sara: I’ll tell you who will, well, but the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department should be applauded here, and I’m going to tell you why they were able to get Rosen. They were able to nab their guy because they did not inform the State Department that they were conducting this investigation. This is an independent law enforcement. This is what we need to look for, our independent law enforcement.

The Child Exploitation Unit at the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department said we’re going to go after this guy. We have evidence that this guy is soliciting minors. We don’t care if he’s the counterterrorism director. In fact, we care more that he is, and we’re going to find out if this guy’s doing this. When they brought him into questioning yesterday, they picked him up at his home, they took him away. They were questioning him. They had a warrant, and they took his other devices, because one of the questions that I asked and they haven’t been able to answer me or maybe they just can’t right now, was was he using government devices to contact these children? Was he in contact with pedophiles? Are there others in his department that are emailing with him? They weren’t able to answer all these questions.

Glenn: Sara, when you have a culture that will overlook things like this, these people start to congregate. I mean, I can’t imagine the rat’s nest, and Clinton knows about it. Obama has to know about it. Kerry knows about it. They have to know about it, and they look the other way.

Sara: That’s right. So many charges have been dropped on very significant senior people in the State Department or investigations are ongoing. I know there’s an investigation against the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, allegations that he was soliciting minors, and that is an ongoing investigation, and they returned him back to his post in Belgium. So yes, you’re absolutely right, they are turning the other way, and you made a very good point. I talked to some intelligence sources before coming in to talk to you today. This is exactly how things are set up, so that when you have corruptible people in high-level positions, you can use that against them to get your way because now you have evidence. So, not only can the bad guys, but the bad guys within your own government are using them as well.

Glenn: Yep. Okay, real quick because I’ve got less than a minute, two things: Have you talked to anybody on Capitol Hill today that was like, “Oh my gosh, this is great news, and we can go for it”? And two, how are the whistleblowers? How are their moods today? Is this good news for them? Are they still being hammered?

Sara: You know, Rick Higbie was a whistleblower that will be in tonight’s episode of For the Record, a long investigation with our team in Ohio. He is suffering from some serious medical conditions right now. He hasn’t been able to go back to work. He’s on emergency medical leave. Otherwise, he would have been with you today. His daughter, Logan, suffered another seizure last week, but he said he is not giving up this fight.

Glenn: They’ve destroyed him.

Sara: They really did. They destroyed him and his family, but guess what, they haven’t destroyed his spirit, so he’s still moving forward. And as for Capitol Hill, yes, I heard a senior senator is looking into this. He has information now, and he is considering taking this to an investigative level on the Hill. So, this is very, very important news, and, you know, we just hope everyone watches the show tonight. I think that for those who haven’t seen it and for those that have, this is just going to show you how Pandora’s Box opened, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to this story.

Glenn: It is. Thank you, Sara. I appreciate it. Thanks for all of your hard work, and thanks to for everybody at For the Record. I will tell you, Sara is right when she said it’s just the tip of the iceberg. I was disappointed a little bit in this episode because I know the things that we are also investigating that were not in the episode, and I’m telling you, you will lose your faith in your country.

We must stand together on this, and we must stand to do the right thing. Pray for your country, and pray that good, decent Americans stand up to stop the nightmares that are being perpetrated with our flag and our people’s name in the room.

Trump’s Liberation day unveiled: 3 shocking takeaways you need to know

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President Trump’s new tariffs have sparked global outrage, and even conservatives are divided over the merits of his plan.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, President Trump declared "Liberation Day" to usher in a new era for the American economy. This bold initiative began with the introduction of sweeping tariffs on most—if not all—countries trading with the United States. These tariffs are reciprocal, meaning the percentage charged to each country mirrors the tariffs they impose on U.S. goods. The goal was to level the playing field between America and its trade partners.

As Glenn predicted, these tariffs have caused some immediate damage to the economy; the stock market has been hit hard, and China has already imposed a retaliatory tariff. While many fear that a recession is inbound, along with a global trade war, others are trusting in Trump's plan, keeping their head and preparing to ride out this rough patch.

So, what exactly are these "Liberation Day" tariffs, and what happened on April 2? Here are the top three takeaways:

Baseline Tariff

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To kick off Liberation Day, the White House unveiled a baseline tariff affecting all imports to the U.S. Starting April 5, 2025, every good entering the United States will face a 10% tariff, regardless of its country of origin. While some nations face additional tariffs on top of this baseline, others—like the UK, Australia, and Argentina—only pay the 10% rate. These countries enjoy this leniency because they impose relatively low tariffs on American goods.

Reciprocal Tariffs

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For the countries that levied heavy tariffs against America, Trump hit them back hard. Cambodia, for instance, now faces a steep 49% tariff, while China contends with 34%, the EU with 20%, and Iraq with 39%. While these tariff rates may seem steep, they are all a good bit lower than the rates they apply against the U.S (see the full chart here). Trump’s strategy is to make foreign goods prohibitively expensive, encouraging manufacturing and jobs to return to American soil. Whether this gamble succeeds remains to be seen.

Canada and Mexico

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Notably absent from the "Liberation Day" tariff list are Canada and Mexico, America’s closest neighbors. That’s because Trump already imposed tariffs on them earlier this year. In February 2025, he slapped a 25% tariff on most goods imported from both countries to pressure them into curbing the flow of fentanyl across U.S. borders. Exceptions include agricultural products, textiles, apparel, and other items protected under NAFTA.

Does France's latest move PROVE lawfare is on the rise?

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An all-too-familiar story unfolded in France this week: the is law being weaponized against a "far-right" candidate. Does that ring a bell?

Glenn was taken aback earlier this week when he learned that Marine Le Pen, a popular French conservative, had been banned from the 2027 election following a controversial conviction. The ruling shocked French conservatives and foreign politicians alike, many of whom saw Le Pen as France’s best conservative hope. President Trump called it a "very big deal," a view shared by French commentators who fear this marks the end of Le Pen’s political career.

But this isn’t just about France—it’s a symptom of a larger threat looming over the West.

A double standard?

Fmr. President Sarkozy (left) and Fmr. Prime Minister Fillon (right)

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As of Sunday, March 30, 2025, Marine Le Pen led the polls with a commanding edge over her rivals, offering French conservatives their strongest shot at the presidency in years. Hours later, that hope crumbled. Found guilty of embezzling EU funds, Le Pen was sentenced to two years of house arrest, fined €100,000 ($108,200), and banned from public office for five years, effective immediately.

Glenn quickly highlighted an apparent double standard. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy and former Prime Minister François Fillon faced similar—or worse—corruption charges, yet neither was barred from office during their political runs. So why Le Pen, and why now? Similar to Trump’s "hush money" trial, legal troubles this late in the election cycle reek of interference. The decision should belong to voters—France’s largest jury—not a courtroom. This appears to be a grave injustice to the French electorate and another crack in democracy’s foundation.

This is NOT about France

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This pattern stretches far beyond France; it’s a tactic we’ve seen before.

In early 2025, Bucharest’s streets erupted in protest after Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of its presidential election. Călin Georgescu, a rising conservative, had clinched an unexpected victory, only to have it stripped away amid baseless claims of Russian interference. His supporters raged against the decision, seeing it as a theft of their voice.

Both Georgescu and Le Pen echo the legal barrage President Trump endured before his 2024 win. The Left hurled every weapon imaginable at him, unleashing unprecedented lawfare. In America, the Constitution held, and the people’s will prevailed.

Now, with Tesla vandalism targeting Elon Musk’s free-speech stance, a coordinated pushback against freedom is clear—spanning France, Romania, the U.S., and beyond.

The war on free will

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Trump’s 2024 victory doesn’t mean lawfare is dead; Europe shows it’s thriving.

France and Romania prove its effectiveness, sidelining candidates through courts rather than ballots. Glenn warned us about this years ago—when the powerful can’t win at the polls, they turn to the gavel. It’s a chilling trend of stripping voters of their choice and silencing dissent, all the while pawning it off as justice. The playbook is polished and ready, and America’s turn could come sooner than we think.

Melania Trump's fashion influence inspires the next generation

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First Lady Melania Trump’s impeccable style has long captivated admirers across the globe, but for one young woman, it sparked a creative revolution.

Lorelai, a young Glenn Beck fan who requested a degree of anonymity, first met Glenn while attending America Fest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona with her grandmother. An aspiring fashion designer and illustrator, Lorelai shared with Glenn some of her sketches of characters from Glenn’s latest book, Chasing Embers. She also explained how Melania Trump became the cornerstone of her artistic journey, inspiring her to craft modest yet beautiful clothing that redefines modern fashion.

Melania Trump’s elegance—stunning, powerful, and undeniably feminine—first captured Lorelai’s attention during the First Lady’s time in the White House. Unlike the casual, often immodest trends dominating her peers’ wardrobes, Melania’s wardrobe exuded grace and sophistication. From tailored coats to flowing gowns, her choices were a masterclass in balancing boldness with dignity, a philosophy that resonated deeply with Lorelai. This admiration grew into inspiration as Lorelai began designing apparel specifically with Melania in mind, aspiring to design pieces that could match the First Lady’s grace. She strove to reflect Melania’s breathtaking style in her sketches in an effort to demonstrate how modesty can be beautiful.

The First Lady’s poised and graceful presence has redefined modesty for the modern era. To Lorelai, the First Lady’s style proves that more fabric offers boundless room for imagination, allowing personality to shine without sacrificing dignity. Melania embodies this perfectly—her fashion commands attention with stunning, memorable elegance. Inspired by this, Lorelai’s mission is to craft clothing for her generation that mirrors Melania’s influence, blending contemporary flair with classic beauty.

After her meeting with Glenn at America Fest, Lorelai’s passion and resolve have only deepened. Through fashion and art, Lorelai hopes to inspire others with the same grace that Melania Trump exemplifies. Below are some of Lorelai's sketches she was eager to share with Glenn.

Melania Trump: First Lady

I really adore First Lady Melania Trump’s grace and timeless beauty. She is extremely intelligent and brave but also strong and poised. Her fashion style displays these traits. I was inspired to create these outfits for our First Lady in hopes that she would see these drawings. -Lorelai

Melania Trump: Lady Liberty

We, as a country, will be celebrating next year our 250th anniversary of independence. The designs that inspired this patriotic gown came from Lady Liberty and Lady Columbia art. I also love our American flag, and this design is a combination of all three. -Lorelai

Chasing Embers Character Art (Ember)

I chose to draw the characters Sky, Azaz and Ember from Glenn Beck and Mikayla G. Hedrick’s Chasing Embers series. -Lorelai

Chasing Embers Concept Art (Ember)

I was inspired to draw a younger and teen version for Sky and Ember. -Lorelai

Chasing Embers Character Art (Sky)

Chasing Embers Concept Art (Azaz)

I also gave multiple outfits designs for Sky and Azaz. I loved that their personalities and character development meant in my mind a wardrobe development too. -Lorelai

Glenn: Government workers bought luxury cars with YOUR tax dollars

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The deep state isn’t a conspiracy theory — it’s a reality. And the corrupt, free-spending Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is just one example of how Washington insiders enrich themselves.

A little-known agency in Washington perfectly encapsulates everything wrong with our bloated, corrupt government: the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. It should be the poster child of everything that Elon Musk is exposing.

The agency was established in 1947 under the Labor Management Relations Act to serve as an independent agency mediating disputes between unions and businesses — a noble mission, perhaps. But like so many government institutions, it has rotted into something far removed from its original purpose.

The FMCS goes beyond mismanagement into blatant corruption and theft.

What was once a mechanism for labor stability has morphed into an unchecked slush fund — an exclusive playground for bureaucrats living high on taxpayer dollars.

The FMCS is a textbook case of government waste, an agency that no one was watching, where employees didn’t even bother showing up for work — some hadn’t for years. And yet they still collected paychecks and spent government money — our money — on their personal luxuries.

Luxury cars and cell phone bills

The Department of Government Efficiency discovered how FMCS employees used government credit cards — intended for official business — to lease luxury cars, cover personal cell phone bills, and even subscribe to USA Today. The agency’s information technology director, James Donnan, apparently billed taxpayers his wife’s cell phone bill, cable TV subscriptions in multiple homes, and personal subscriptions.

FMCS officials commissioned portraits of themselves and hung them in their offices, and you footed the bill. They took exotic vacations and hired their friends and relatives to keep the gravy train rolling.

The FMCS goes beyond mismanagement into blatant corruption and theft — and it went on for decades, unnoticed and unchallenged.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to abolish the FMCS — a necessary and long-overdue move. But the FMCS is just one of many agencies within the federal government burning through billions of taxpayer dollars. How many more slush funds exist in the shadows, funneling money into the pockets of bureaucrats who produce nothing? How many government-funded NGOs operate in direct opposition to American interests?

Perhaps the most disturbing question is why Americans tolerate such corruption. Why do so many Americans tolerate this? Why is the left — supposedly the party of the people — defending the very institutions that rob working-class Americans blind?

Corruption beyond bureaucracy

The recent rallies led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and their socialist acolytes claim to be a grassroots uprising against corruption and greed. But GPS data from these rallies tells a different story. The majority of attendees aren’t ordinary citizens fed up with the status quo. They’re professional activists — serial agitators who bounce from protest to protest.

Roughly 84% of devices tracked at these rallies were present at multiple Kamala Harris events. A staggering 31% appeared at over 20 separate demonstrations, tied to Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and pro-Palestinian causes.

Many of these organizations receive federal grant money — our tax dollars — and they’re using those funds to protest the very policies that threaten to cut off their financial lifeline.

This isn’t democracy in action. This is political theater — astroturfing perfected. And the American taxpayer is funding it.

Rooting out corruption

Trump was a battering ram against this corrupt system. Elon Musk is a surgeon, meticulously exposing the infection that has festered for decades — and that’s why the leftists hate him even more than they hate Trump. Musk threatens to dismantle the financial web that sustains their entire operation.

When we allow the government to grow unchecked and our leaders to prioritize their own wealth and power over the good of the nation, figures like Trump and Musk are necessary. Rome didn’t fall because of an external invasion but rather due to internal decay that looked an awful lot like what we see today.

We must demand better. We must refuse to tolerate this corruption any longer. The FMCS may be gone, but the fight to root out this deep-seated corruption is far from over.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on TheBlaze.com.

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