'If You Can Keep It': ‘Empire of Grift’
Summary
This episode of The 1A Plus examines how the Trump administration is leveraging U.S. diplomacy for personal financial gain, featuring guests Anne Applebaum and Casey Michel. They discuss specific instances of corruption, such as a Russian oligarch funding Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding and Jared Kushner's undisclosed foreign investments. The conversation highlights the shift from professional diplomats to private actors in foreign policy, arguing that this approach undermines national security and alienates traditional allies. Finally, the guests explore the erosion of anti-corruption safeguard…
Topics discussed
Intro: Trump's 'America First' vs. diplomatic reality
Introducing guests Anne Applebaum and Casey Michel
Trump Jr.'s wedding and Russian oligarch Ummar Kremlev
National security risks of foreign influence in the White House
Businessmen replacing diplomats in foreign negotiations
US-Greenland security deal and political pressure
Impact on US democracy and transatlantic alliances
The role of unofficial actors like Jared Kushner
Allies forming new alliances without the US
US support for European far-right parties
Legal loopholes and the dismantling of oversight
Consequences of politicizing the civil service
Policy solutions and international anti-corruption models
Public sentiment and the upcoming election
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