The Playbook Podcast Trump’s wrecking ball presidency
11 snips
Oct 23, 2025 The podcast dives into President Trump's controversial decisions amid turbulent news cycles. New sanctions against Russia aim to pressure Putin over the Ukraine conflict. The hosts discuss Trump’s evolving stance between Putin and Zelensky and analyze Marco Rubio's influence on policy decisions. There's also talk of Trump's demolition of the East Wing for a grand ballroom, stirring public reactions and media scrutiny. Finally, they examine the impacts of a government shutdown on benefits and the optics of politicians dining out during the crisis.
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Sanctions Target Russia’s Energy Vulnerability
- The Trump administration announced major sanctions on Russia targeting its two largest energy firms to pressure the Russian economy.
- Dasha Burns and Jack Blanchard see this as a significant pivot that could squeeze Putin economically and change the war dynamic.
U.S. Tacit Support For Deep Strikes
- The U.S. may have tacitly allowed Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with British-supplied long-range missiles, changing escalation dynamics.
- Jack argues the timing aligns with sanctions and suggests Trump is turning the screw on Putin.
Rubio Shapes Trump’s Foreign Posture
- Marco Rubio's influence is reshaping Trump policy on Ukraine, China, and Latin America over time rather than via confrontation.
- Dasha highlights Rubio's steady guidance as a factor making Trump sound more interventionist on several fronts.