Americano Trump – the conventional foreign policy President?
Jul 15, 2025
Freddy Gray hosts Sergey Radchenko, a Johns Hopkins professor, and Kate Andrews, Deputy US editor of The Spectator. They delve into Trump's surprising shift in foreign policy towards Russia, including his threats of severe tariffs unless a Ukraine deal is reached. The discussion covers his military support for Ukraine and how this affects his relationship with Putin. They also explore the complexities of Trump’s ties with his MAGA base, considering the future of Trumpism and the implications for Republican dynamics post-presidency.
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Trump's Shift on Russia
- Donald Trump shifted from being friendly toward Putin to adopting a militant stance supporting Ukraine.
- He now commits to supplying weapons to Ukraine through NATO allies to strengthen Ukraine's leverage in negotiations.
Realizing Need to Arm Ukraine
- Trump has realized that pressuring Putin without arming Ukraine is ineffective.
- Providing Ukraine with weapons is necessary to create leverage for peace negotiations with Russia.
Impact on MAGA Base
- Trump's change on Ukraine and Russia may feel like a U-turn to his MAGA base.
- His new approach appears more traditional Republican foreign policy, but loyalty from voters is uncertain.