Americano

Donald Trump, the 45th and 46th president of the United States, discusses a variety of topics with Ben Domenech. He shares insights into his second administration’s priorities, including budget balancing and the geopolitical implications of military aid in Ukraine. Trump contrasts today’s political challenges with historical figures like Nixon and tackles media scrutiny with personal anecdotes. Light-hearted moments emerge as they explore a recent cocaine incident at the White House and delve into the connections between politics and the NFL.

Kate Andrews, Deputy US editor at The Spectator World, and Tim Stanley, Telegraph columnist, delve into Keir Starmer's visit to Washington. They discuss the positive reception of Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump, noting significant diplomatic victories, including discussions on Ukraine and trade. The playful analysis of Trump’s unexpected compliment about Starmer's accent reveals how voices influence perceptions. The conversation also highlights the complexities of British-American relations and the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding Ukraine.

Robert Bryce, an energy expert and author of "The Question of Power," dives into the complexities of global energy and electric vehicles. He highlights Ford's staggering $17 billion losses due to its EV strategy and critiques government subsidies that drive automakers into unprofitable terrain. Discussing energy humanism, he shares a personal story that illustrates the importance of energy access. Additionally, Bryce explores China's and Russia's influence on climate policies and the radical shift in the environmentalist movement amid changing political landscapes.

Curtis Yarvin, a political theorist and writer known for his critiques of liberal democracy, dives deep into the reasons behind Britain's decline. He discusses the European response to Putin's aggression and poses thought-provoking insights on Churchill, questioning if the critiques of him are warranted. Yarvin also highlights the inefficiencies of democratic governance and suggests alternatives like meritocracy. He wraps up with his top three book recommendations, focusing on unique perspectives of World War II, emphasizing the need to reevaluate historical narratives.

Donald Trump attacked the Ukrainian President overnight, describing him as a 'dictator' and saying he's done a 'terrible job.' In return, Zelensky has accused Trump of 'living in a disinformation space.' The West has invested a huge amount of capital in the fight against Russia – and failed to secure peace. Is Trump using these offensive and odious methods in order to secure an end to the conflict? Is he the only person with the power to do so? Freddy Gray discusses with The Spectator's Russia correspondent Owen Matthews, and Sergey Radchenko, historian and author.

Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of think-tank American Compass, sits down with Freddy Gray at the ARC conference in London. They react to the announcement by President Trump over the weekend of reciprocal tariffs: the decision by the US to match import duties levied by other countries. What's the strategy behind Trump's decision? And what could the consequences be for American companies and for global trade? They also discuss the broad political consensus behind free trade in the US since the 1990s. Given the 'lived reality' that faced many American investors and companies - for example competing with Chinese Electric Vehicles - was the free trade really working anyway?Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.

In this conversation, Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International, sheds light on the recent criticism of free speech in the UK sparked by J.D. Vance's remarks. They discuss the troubling case of Adam Smith-Connor, arrested for silently praying near an abortion clinic. Coleman raises alarms about new buffer zone laws that curtail peaceful expressions of belief. The discussion also tackles the widening censorship landscape in Europe and its implications for American values, signaling a potential shift in the free speech narrative.

Political commentator, and author of Troubled, Rob Henderson joins Freddy Gray from the ARC conference in London. They discuss the political reaction to the news that Elon Musk has allegedly had his 13th child – are there signs of a new, more permissive conservatism? They also discuss Trump’s administration so far – particularly his flurry of executive orders – with critics decrying them as the tactics of a populist, yet supporters approving of the speed of activity. What’s the psychology underpins these political viewpoints? Vice-President J.D. Vance’s speech in Munich over the weekend has also left many European leaders reeling – but should they really have been surprised?Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.

Professor John Mearsheimer comes back on the Americano show with Freddy Gray to discuss how seriously we should take Trump's foreign policy. They cover the President's plans to rebuild Gaza, why Netanyahu and Trump won't agree on what to do with Iran and whether Trump can strike a deal with Putin.

Angus Hanton, author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain, joins Freddy Gray to talk about the economic relationship between Britain and America. As the world adjusts to the new US administration, every day seems to bring news of new potential tariffs. Is the UK a prime target for Trump? What could the impact of tariffs be? And what are the long-term questions facing British politicians about both the economic and political relationship with the US?Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.