Hub Podcasts David Frum on Trump, Russia, and the extremist Right
Nov 27, 2025
David Frum, a prominent author and political commentator, joins to delve into critical issues surrounding the Trump administration's influence on Russia and Ukraine. He discusses the alarming implications of a plan that could undermine Ukraine's defenses and NATO's credibility, potentially turning Ukraine into a Russian satellite. Frum also explores the unsettling rise of extremist elements within the American Right, emphasizing the need to reassert democratic values in an era of increasing authoritarian trends.
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Too Big To See
- David Frum recounts a family story about their Labrador Chester who couldn’t see a herd of deer because “some things are just too big to see.”
- He uses this to explain why Americans struggle to perceive the depth of Trump’s ties to Russia.
Plan Mirrors Russian Talking Points
- Frum argues the 28-point peace plan originated with Russian-authored notes later polished for Trump’s team.
- He warns the plan effectively advances the Russian position and reduces Ukraine’s bargaining power.
War Is About Subordination, Not Borders
- Frum says the plan misreads Russia’s aims by treating the war as territorial disputes rather than imperial subordination.
- He compares Russian strategy to Munich 1938: seize fortified border territories to render the rest defenseless.