

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

15 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 11min
February 8, 2025
Discover the NIH's plans to cut indirect funding for medical research grants and its potential effects on local economies. Delve into USAID's significant investment in American agriculture, highlighting its role in addressing food stability and national security. Hear a gripping letter from an anonymous FBI worker about navigating life and duty. Lastly, gain insight into the unsung heroes of public service, sharing a heartfelt story about dedication during a historic blizzard and their commitment to public safety.

37 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 13min
February 7, 2025
The podcast delves into the growing alarm over Trump's actions and his ties to Elon Musk, sparking a wave of calls to Senate representatives. A senator passionately argues against Republican dismissiveness and warns about unchecked presidential power. It also tackles the balance of serious political discourse with humor, spotlighting a satirical proclamation by an Illinois governor. The discussion underscores the urgent need to protect constitutional principles in turbulent political times.

24 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 18min
February 6, 2025
The podcast dives into how the Trump administration manipulated key communications, eroding trust among minority groups. It tackles alarming misinformation about media and funding, while raising concerns about national security in light of CIA transparency directives. The pressing need for air traffic control modernization is highlighted, along with new political maneuvers and legal challenges around social media controversies and citizenship policies. The discussion critiques the implications of privatizing government services and its impact on public safety.

28 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 14min
February 5, 2025
Delve into the shifting political landscape five years post-Trump's impeachment, highlighting his comeback and the turbulence within his administration. Explore the risks of concentrated power in healthcare, raising alarms about oversight and potential abuses. Unpack concerns over individual control of sensitive government data and its implications for national security. Finally, witness the intense maneuvers surrounding federal budget cuts and the fierce public reaction against unethical contracting practices.

21 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 16min
February 4, 2025
Dive into the unsettling case of Marco Elez, whose access to U.S. Treasury systems raises serious security concerns. Explore the risks AI poses to government stability and how legislators are scrambling to protect citizens' rights. Reflect on the backlash against social programs stemming from historic decisions like Brown v. Board of Education. Examine troubling trends seen as weakening democracy, including corporate influence and reduced public services. Finally, discover how recent political maneuvers and proposals impact both domestic voters and foreign relations.

18 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 12min
February 3, 2025
Explore the alarming rise of an unelected billionaire undermining constitutional governance with support from Republicans. Discover how his influence is reshaping government agencies and threatening national security. Also, delve into the legal and economic chaos sparked by the Trump administration, including contentious tariffs and their impact on stock markets and international negotiations. The discussion uncovers deep implications for democracy and the future of American governance.

Feb 3, 2025 • 14min
February 2, 2025
Explore the implications of a team connected to Elon Musk taking control of the U.S. Treasury's payment system, raising alarms about untrained engineers managing sensitive operations. Delve into the political and economic fallout from aggressive U.S. trade policies, creating tensions with Mexico, Canada, and China. Discover how Canada is unifying to respond by shifting away from American imports, particularly in popular consumer goods like alcohol, challenging governance and accountability in the current political landscape.

24 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 18min
February 1, 2025
Dive into the chaotic aftermath of the Trump administration's strategies to undermine justice and accountability. Political controversies abound as eligibility debates and immigration policies unfold. A critical eye on the implications of cutting U.S. foreign aid reveals threats to global communities. Elon Musk's dealings with the government spotlight the clash between private interests and public welfare. The atmosphere is fraught with constitutional crises and evasive tactics that endanger the integrity of governance. It's a wild ride through today’s political landscape!

5 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 8min
January 31, 2025
Dive into the powerful origins of Julia Ward Howe's 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' and its connection to the 13th Amendment, highlighting hope during the Civil War. The discussion also sheds light on the iconic Greensboro sit-in movement, marking a pivotal moment in the civil rights struggle. There's a reflection on the establishment of Black History Month, addressing ongoing challenges faced by the Black community and offering a critical look at current political attitudes.

16 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 14min
January 30, 2025
A recent aviation collision over Washington, D.C. raises alarms about public safety and critiques the Trump administration's handling of airline regulation. The discussion highlights political accountability, particularly during a press conference where Trump deflects blame to previous Democratic leaders. Tensions increase with federal employees pushing back against tech industry influence fueled by a controversial memo. Additionally, a troubling settlement between Meta and Trump uncovers layers of corruption and political implications.