Letters from an American August 17, 2025
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Aug 18, 2025 The podcast delves into President Trump's shifting strategies in international diplomacy, particularly with Putin and Zelensky. It highlights concerns about his focus and decision-making in critical meetings, revealing tensions in American foreign policy. European unity is put under the microscope as leaders pledge support for Ukraine while critiquing domestic policies that sow division. It also examines the controversial deployment of federal troops in domestic affairs, raising questions about authority and public sentiment. Finally, it warns against rising state violence and authoritarian trends that threaten democracy.
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Trump Adopts Putin’s Negotiation Stance
- Heather Cox Richardson reports Trump aligned with Putin by rejecting a ceasefire and favoring negotiations without it.
- That shift risks undermining allied consensus and appears to adopt Putin's position on ending the war.
Abrupt Summit Signals Deeper Problems
- Richardson notes the Alaska summit ended abruptly and raised questions about why planned discussions and a luncheon were canceled.
- She suggests Trump may have been unable to manage a high-stakes day and that aides appeared anxious and ashen.
Alliances, Not Force, Define U.S. Power
- Richardson argues U.S. power depends on alliances and that Trump and Putin miscalculated democracies' resilience.
- She warns U.S. withdrawal from alliances weakens global rules and lets others strengthen ties without the U.S.