Americano

The clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump takes center stage, revealing deep ideological rifts and personal insults. Their public feud raises questions about the dynamics of power in social media politics. As Musk critiques Trump's spending bill and hints at Epstein connections, the impact on Tesla's stock looms large. The discussion dives into the urgent need to address America’s debt crisis, emphasizing the importance of confronting tough choices. Amidst this turbulence, what does this rivalry mean for the future of American politics?

Heather Mac Donald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author renowned for her insights on race and meritocracy, joins to delve into America's evolving cultural landscape. She tackles the decline of meritocracy and the rise of anti-Western ideologies, pondering why the West seems eager to self-cancel. Mac Donald also discusses the repercussions of the Black Lives Matter movement, comparing societal reactions to protests and emphasizing the shifting narratives around policing and racial justice. It's a captivating exploration of accountability in today's America.

Freddy Gray speaks to writer and author Karen Hao, whose new book Empire of AI looks at a new, ominous age of empire with OpenAI. On the podcast they discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on society and democracy and how Open AI founder Sam Altman has become a controversial figure. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk and a South African native, shares gripping insights on the political landscape of his home country. He reflects on Donald Trump's recent condemnation of South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding white farmer racism. Errol recounts his personal experiences with violence on farms and addresses the government's failures amid rising crime rates. Moreover, he explores the evolving political views within his own family, revealing the surprising shifts surrounding Trump.

Polish émigré Zbigniew Brzezinski – known as ‘Zbig’ – rose to prominence in America during the Cold War as a key intellectual architect of US foreign policy. He was National Security Advisor to President Carter and was a trusted advisor to many US presidents from John F Kennedy onwards. Yet, despite helping to shape American foreign policy during critical moments, he is not as well-known or celebrated as his lifelong rival Henry Kissinger.  The Financial Times’ chief US columnist Edward Luce joins Freddy Gray on this episode of Americano to talk about his new book Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Cold War Prophet. The book aims to bridge the gap in the historiography of the Cold War and looks at Zbig’s legacy – from preventing a Soviet invasion of Poland, to strengthening relations with China, to shaping America’s response to 9/11. Was Zbig a Cold War prophet?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian and former diplomat Charlie Gammell shares his insights on Donald Trump's intriguing Middle Eastern policy. He explores Trump's affinity for the Arab world, political pragmatism, and the significance of commerce over reform. Gammell analyzes Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts and Qatar's bold outreach to the Trump administration. He also discusses evolving diplomatic dynamics among Gulf nations and the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations, highlighting how shifting alliances are transforming Middle Eastern politics in unexpected ways.

In a riveting discussion, Chris Whipple, a New York Times bestselling author and documentary maker, delves into the captivating twists of the political landscape. He outlines Joe Biden's mental and strategic struggles during his tumultuous campaign, contrasted with Trump's winning tactics. Whipple also explores Kamala Harris's rise and subsequent setbacks, Nancy Pelosi's influence on Biden's re-election aspirations, and the urgent call for fresh leadership within the Democratic Party. This insider perspective sheds light on the chaotic dynamics of recent elections.

Joining the discussion are Sarah Elliott, a trade expert at the Prosperity Institute, and Kate Andrews, Deputy US Editor of The Spectator. They dive into Trump’s newly announced UK-US trade deal, debating its significance and implications for transatlantic relations. The conversation navigates the complexities of tariffs, regulatory alignments, and the potential economic impact on UK workers. They also touch on the political dynamics within Labour regarding American influence and how these trade negotiations reflect broader geopolitical strategies.

Ben Domenech, Editor-at-Large of Spectator World, dives deep with Christopher Rufo into the challenges plaguing American higher education. They discuss Rufo’s transformation from Democrat to conservative firebrand and his critiques of DEI policies. The duo highlights the impact of foreign donations on universities and the need for transparency. They also tackle free speech and anti-Semitism on campus, alongside the contentious nature of patriotism in education, revealing parallels between U.S. and British perspectives on national identity.

Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned classicist and scholar, delves into the sweeping changes of Trump's second presidency. He frames it as a counterrevolution against elite institutions and cultural drift. Hanson discusses the impact of Trump's policies on immigration and DEI initiatives, illustrating the growing divide between coastal elites and the working class. He critiques the hypocrisy of political discourse and underscores the need for educational reforms in response to shifting American sentiments, drawing intriguing parallels with the Roman Republic.