
Letters from an American
Heather Cox Richardson's narrated newsletter about the history behind today's politics. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
Latest episodes

37 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 9min
June 7, 2025
A political figure’s recent visit to the USS Arizona Memorial sparks a debate on the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the appointment of a Secretary of the Navy lacking military experience. The discussion also critiques the Trump administration's approach to historical narratives. Additionally, a revisionist movement aiming to reshape American history for political gain is examined. The Journey to American Democracy initiative is introduced, emphasizing the importance of authentic historical education and the promotion of true democratic values.

25 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 11min
June 6, 2025
Explore the tangled relationship between a billionaire and a former president, revealing the impact on government contracts. Discover the call for a new political party catering to moderates amidst governmental chaos and Trump’s attempts to restore job cuts. Delve into national security and immigration challenges, highlighting employee frustrations at the FDA and the dangers of inexperienced leaders. Lastly, examine the indictment of Abrego Garcia, addressing concerns over political motivations behind immigration enforcement and the risks of creating a police state.

19 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 11min
June 5, 2025
Tensions rise between President Trump and Elon Musk as Musk openly critiques Trump's spending habits, hinting at shifts within the Republican Party. Reflecting on history, the podcast discusses FDR's fireside chat, emphasizing unity during World War II as Allied forces liberated Rome. The narrative transitions to D-Day, unveiling the hopes and risks surrounding the Normandy Invasion in June 1944, a pivotal moment that showcased bravery against Nazi oppression.

45 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 11min
June 4, 2025
The podcast dives into the economic fallout from tariffs introduced by the previous administration, revealing how they may have benefited the wealthy at the expense of American consumers. It highlights disturbing shifts in government policies that jeopardize essential services and healthcare, raising alarms about manipulated inflation data. The discussion also critiques recent healthcare and immigration policy changes, including contentious new travel bans and abortion guidance reversals, examining their ideological motivations and wider political consequences.

50 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 15min
June 3, 2025
A bold Ukrainian operation involving 117 drones caused major damage to Russian airfields, challenging Putin's military strategies. The use of innovative drone technology is reshaping modern warfare and influencing U.S.-Ukraine relations. On the political front, tensions rise as Trump navigates complex dynamics with China while facing domestic legal controversies and reactions from figures like Rand Paul and Elon Musk. This blend of military strategy and political intrigue creates an engaging discussion about current global affairs.

35 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 12min
June 2, 2025
In this discussion, a contentious Republican budget bill proposes severe cuts to Medicaid, sparking outrage over healthcare access. The impact of budget cuts on NOAA and NWS raises alarms about public safety during hurricane seasons due to inadequate resources. The dialogue also highlights alarming ignorance within FEMA regarding hurricane season and critiques cuts to NIH that threaten cancer research, showcasing the dangerous blend of politics and scientific integrity.

44 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 10min
June 1, 2025
The discussion opens with the increasing activity of the Department of Homeland Security, spotlighting controversial arrests and a notable incident involving a Congressional aide. Tensions escalate as an ICE raid in San Diego stirs distrust in local law enforcement. Political fallout from recent actions and critiques of health policy proposals reveal significant governance challenges. The internal struggles within the Trump administration are also examined, highlighting the president's engagement with intelligence and the promotion of conspiracy theories.

31 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 12min
May 31, 2025
Dive into a powerful reflection on a senator's pivotal 1950 speech that champions integrity in political discourse. The conversation intricately weaves historical concerns with today's political landscape, highlighting the dangers of fear-driven tactics. Listeners are urged to engage actively in defending democratic values and the Constitution, making it clear that history teaches vital lessons for contemporary civic involvement.

73 snips
May 31, 2025 • 19min
May 30, 2025
A deep dive into the troubling actions of a billionaire in government raises alarms about budget cuts and the fusion of corporate power with civil liberties. The discussion on tariff policies reveals chaotic trade negotiations and the backlash against them. Current administration strategies also come under scrutiny as immigration tactics shift and legal challenges emerge. Law enforcement's escalating role in immigration enforcement is critiqued for undermining democracy. Finally, potential far-right influences on U.S. immigration policy highlight risks for vulnerable migrants.

30 snips
May 29, 2025 • 8min
May 28, 2025
A recent court ruling declared President Trump's tariffs illegal, highlighting congressional authority in trade matters and introducing the quirky term 'taco trade.' The discussion dives into a political figure's questionable financial dealings linked to tariff manipulation, alongside controversial pardons that expose inconsistencies in their policies. Additionally, Trump's comments about pardoning those involved in a conspiracy against a Democratic governor showcase his strategy to rally far-right supporters, intertwined with extremist symbolism and QAnon narratives.