The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer When Washington Smells Weakness
Nov 21, 2025
Jake and Jon dissect Trump’s controversial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince MBS, highlighting both the optics and political implications. They delve into the intertwining of corruption within Zelensky’s government and a U.S. push for Ukrainian peace, stressing its impact on Western support. The duo also explores potential risks in shifting national security focus to immigration enforcement, predicting significant operational trade-offs. Plus, they preview rising tensions between Japan and China, alongside a Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia.
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Oval Theater Changes Diplomatic Dynamics
- President Trump’s Oval Office style turns formal visits into unscripted, high-stakes media events that reshape diplomatic optics.
- Jon Finer and Jake Sullivan argue this risks emboldening authoritarian guests and obscures policy substance.
Saudi Gains Versus U.S. Returns
- Mohammed bin Salman secured advanced chips and F-35s plus defense deals, validating his Washington visit.
- Jake Sullivan warns U.S. gains were murkier, with promised investments likely inflated.
Sudan Became A Hidden Priority
- Sudan emerged unexpectedly as a potential diplomatic focus from the MBS meeting with implications for U.S.-Saudi cooperation.
- Jon Finer stresses Saudi leverage and U.S. opportunity to press for an end to atrocities.