Inauguration Special: Aaron Maté, Michael Tracey & Jenin Younes on Next Trump Admin Hopes & Fears
Jan 22, 2025
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Aaron Maté, an independent journalist renowned for his insights on U.S. foreign policy, joins journalists Jenin Younes and Michael Tracey to dive into the potential impacts of a future Trump administration. They discuss contrasting scenarios for Trump's presidency, including a ceasefire deal and its ramifications. The trio critically examines progressive disillusionment with party responses to conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine, and what a shift in foreign policy might mean for U.S.-Israeli relations.
The decline of political resistance since 2017 has led to disillusionment among activists, undermining grassroots organizing efforts.
Russiagate shifted the focus of dissent from active opposition to passive commentary, contributing to the decrease in meaningful activism.
Speculation about Trump’s potential foreign policy raises hopes for peace but concerns remain about the influence of political advisors and donors.
Deep dives
The State of the Resistance
The current state of political resistance has significantly diminished since its peak in 2017. Observations from recent events, such as the so-called 'peace ball,' reveal a sense of disillusionment, as many activists express frustration over the ineffectiveness of current efforts. Even key organizers from earlier movements are opting out of protests, indicating a loss of morale among those once energized by the resistance. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the distraction of the Russiagate narrative, which shifted focus from meaningful opposition to the administration's policies.
Impact of Russiagate on Political Activism
Russiagate has been identified as a major factor in the deflation of political activism, as it diverted attention from legitimate opposition to the Trump administration. By framing resistance through a lens of conspiracy, it transformed dissent into a passive consumption of political commentary rather than active grassroots organizing. The faith in political institutions, particularly special prosecutors, has left many disheartened as the expected accountability failed to materialize. Consequently, the spectacle of legal battles has overshadowed substantial issues, contributing to disillusionment within the progressive base.
Mixed Reactions to Current Democratic Leadership
Progressive lawmakers, despite having faced pushback for their stances on controversial issues like Gaza, show inconsistencies in their political commitments, particularly regarding military funding. The critique arises from their continued endorsements of appropriations that ultimately support warfare, like the Ukraine conflict, contradicting their calls for peace. This duality highlights a broader struggle within the Democratic Party to reconcile advocacy for social justice with support for military-industrial interests. Disappointment with current leadership has sparked debates among activists about the authenticity and direction of progressive values.
Cory Bush's Position on Foreign Policy
Cory Bush's tenure exemplifies the tensions faced by progressive politicians regarding foreign policy, particularly in reference to the Ukraine crisis. Despite her initial calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Bush's voting pattern on Ukraine funding reveals a contradiction that raises questions about alignment with her progressive base. When questioned, she indicated that support for these appropriations was framed as a way to prevent U.S. troop deployments, showcasing the intricate web of political justification for continued military support. This situation underscores the challenges progressives face in navigating complex geopolitical issues while striving to honor commitments to their constituents.
Prospective Shifts in U.S. Foreign Policy
Speculation about future U.S. foreign policy under a potential Trump administration raises both hope and concern. There's a possibility that Trump could pursue a path toward peace in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, diverging from traditional military engagement trends. However, concerns linger regarding how policy decisions will be influenced by entrenched political advisors and donor interests, particularly in relation to Israel and military expenditures. Ultimately, the forthcoming months will reveal whether Trump can effectively shift U.S. foreign policy toward prioritizing diplomatic resolutions over military interventions.
