The Powers That Be: Daily Trump’s Puzzling Putin Pivot
Sep 30, 2025
Julia Yaffe, a seasoned reporter specializing in U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy, joins Peter to dissect Donald Trump's striking remarks at the UN, where he ridiculed the organization. They explore Trump's unexpected pivot against Vladimir Putin, driven by insights on Russian setbacks. Yaffe sheds light on the State Department's forced involvement in aggressive deportation strategies, revealing the ethical dilemmas faced by career diplomats who are repurposed for such operations. This conversation dives deep into the intersection of foreign policy and domestic challenges.
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UN Skepticism Fits Old Critiques
- Trump questioned the UN's effectiveness by echoing long-standing conservative and Ukrainian critiques about Security Council vetoes.
- The remark aligns with a broader right-wing view that the UN wastes US funds and fails to protect sovereignty.
Authoritarians Prefer Transactional U.S. Tone
- Some authoritarian governments welcome Trump's style because it reduces U.S. moral pressure on human rights.
- Leaders who prefer 'might makes right' see a transactional, non-lecturing American president as compatible with their rule.
Tone Shift Without Policy Change
- Trump's tougher tone on Russia reflected briefing updates about Russian losses and economic pain from Ukrainian strikes.
- Yet he didn't pledge new sanctions or US aid, preserving a pay-to-play stance rather than shifting policy.