Amanpour Trump Orders Nuclear Weapons Tests
Oct 30, 2025
In this discussion, Matt Pottinger, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, explores the recent Trump-Xi summit, detailing agreements on trade and America's competitive edge in technology. He raises concerns about the potential consequences of Trump's shocking order to resume nuclear weapons testing. Patrick Gaspard shares insights into the New York mayoral race, emphasizing Zohran Mamdani's unique appeal to voters and his approach to tackling issues like Islamophobia. Julia Ioffe dives into the critical role of women in Russian history, spotlighting influential figures and the evolving societal norms.
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Fragile Truce On Trade With China
- The Trump–Xi meeting produced a fragile truce swapping tariff restraint for Chinese concessions on rare earths and soybean purchases.
- Matt Pottinger warns both sides made concessions, leaving strategic competition unresolved and delicate.
AI Chips Are A Strategic Line
- Selling advanced AI chips to China would risk U.S. technological supremacy and shift strategic balance.
- Pottinger is relieved the summit did not concede Nvidia-level chip exports, calling such a move severe in implication.
Two Realities Of China's Strength
- China is simultaneously strong in subsidized strategic sectors and weak in its consumer economy and demographics.
- Pottinger argues the U.S. still holds natural advantages but the race with China remains close.
