The David Pakman Show 8/15/25: Trump meeting Putin in Alaska, ICE camps expanding
Aug 15, 2025
John Feiner, former principal deputy national security advisor, provides insight into Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska and the alarming implications for NATO and U.S. foreign policy. They discuss the expansion of ICE camps and its chilling effect on immigrant communities amid rising tensions. Topics include threats to democracy through political maneuvering in California and challenges posed by AI in historical narratives. The conversation emphasizes the crucial intersection of U.S.-Russia relations, immigration policies, and the future of democratic governance.
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Trump's Alaska Meeting Raises Strategic Doubts
- Dan Koh argues Trump lacks evidence he can outfox Putin based on past deference and actions.
- Trump’s vague answers about minerals and NATO signal risky openness to concessions that worry allies.
Two Possible Agendas Behind The Summit
- John Feiner outlines two plausible motives: pressuring Ukraine for peace or cozying up to Russia economically and politically.
- The U.S. delegation makeup (Treasury, Commerce) suggests talks may emphasize economic rapprochement over security.
Meeting Alone Is A Win For Putin
- Feiner says Putin gains by simply securing a high-profile face-to-face meeting with the U.S. president.
- Even without tangible outcomes, optics of the summit alone are a diplomatic win for Russia.