To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Trump's America Becomes the Neighborhood Bully
24 snips
Jan 6, 2026 
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and columnist, joins to discuss the unsettling implications of Trump's actions in Venezuela. She critiques his short-term dominance and highlights how failing to consider long-term strategies impacts U.S. credibility. The conversation explores the shift of America into a neighborhood bully, overshadowing its historical role in promoting democracy. They delve into geopolitical risks posed by unstable interventions and reflect on the repercussions of January 6th on Trump's support base.
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Moment-Driven Foreign Policy
- Anne Applebaum argues Donald Trump acts to dominate individual moments rather than following coherent strategies.
- He prefers dramatic actions that make him win now and shows little concern for long-term consequences.
Legitimacy Questions At Home And Abroad
- Applebaum highlights a dual legitimacy crisis: in Venezuela and within the U.S. decision-making process.
- Trump bypassed Congress and public debate, deepening questions about lawful authority and legitimacy.
Oil Isn't An Instant Spoil
- Applebaum stresses oil is not a quick prize and Venezuela's production needs years and major investment to recover.
- U.S. assumptions about instantly accessing Venezuelan oil are naive and economically unfeasible.