The MeidasTouch Podcast Former NSA Jake Sullivan on Trump’s Damage to U.S. Standing
9 snips
Aug 20, 2025 
Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor under Biden, provides keen insights into how Trump has weakened U.S. standing globally. He discusses the fallout from Trump's controversial interactions with leaders like Putin, altering diplomatic respect and NATO dynamics. Sullivan highlights the increasing distrust among allies, particularly in light of U.S. trade policies and the rise of China. He cautions about the decline of bipartisan support for national security, emphasizing the need for unified leadership against growing international challenges.
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Putin Playing Rope-A With Trump
- Jake Sullivan argues Putin is playing a rope-a-dope strategy to keep the war going and avoid real peace.
- Trump’s withdrawal from threats lets Russia stretch the conflict and increases Ukrainian suffering.
Flip Undermines U.S. Leverage
- Sullivan says Trump reversed course on ceasefire threats, handing Putin a diplomatic victory.
- That flip from threats to inaction signals weakness to adversaries worldwide.
Europe’s Tactical Play In The Oval
- European leaders aimed to meet Trump soon after Putin because he listens to the last person in the room.
- Their strategy is to show Putin is the obstacle and push Trump toward sanctions if Putin refuses concrete concessions.
