The Interview
Kurt Volker, former US diplomat: Decoding Trump, the second time around
Apr 27, 2025
Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO and Trump’s special representative for Ukraine, offers an insightful look into President Trump’s second term. He discusses the swift changes in governance and Trump's unique decision-making style. Volker highlights transformative diplomatic strategies, particularly a pivotal meeting with Ukraine's Zelensky. He also examines the reconfiguration of Middle Eastern relations and the rise of culture war policies in the U.S. Additionally, he addresses the implications of Trump's actions on America's global credibility and the political landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- The rapid pace of decision-making in Trump's second term illustrates a drastic departure from traditional presidential policy transitions and governance approaches.
- Trump's unconventional diplomatic style, particularly regarding U.S.-Ukraine relations, has led to significant tensions and risks undermining international alliances.
Deep dives
The Fast-Paced Governance of Trump's Second Term
The governance approach during Donald Trump's second term has been marked by an unprecedented pace of decision-making and implementation. The administration rolled out numerous executive orders swiftly, reflecting a clear intention to advance Trump's agenda without delay. Ambassador Kurt Volker highlights how this frenetic pace deviates from traditional presidential transitions where reviews and assessments typically precede policy changes. Trump's determination to push through significant reforms, including drastic cuts to agencies like USAID, conveys his ambition to overcome perceived obstacles from the previous administration's approach.
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