Podcast Summary
Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files
Episode: Q&A: Is Trump governing like an Iranian Ayatollah?
Date: September 10, 2025
Hosts: Christiane Amanpour & Jamie Rubin
Episode Overview
This bonus Q&A episode sees Christiane Amanpour and her ex-husband, former US diplomat Jamie Rubin, candidly address listener questions on urgent global issues. With their signature rapport and incisive style, they discuss media access in Gaza, security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, the state of democracy, the West vs. East power balance, and advice for aspiring journalists. Throughout, they draw on personal experience, sharp analysis, and plenty of wry humour.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Media Access and Press Freedom in Gaza
[01:02–05:57]
- Listener Question: How can Israel, as a democracy, block foreign journalists from Gaza?
- Jamie Rubin: Acknowledges Israel’s trauma but criticizes the government for intentionally restricting media to control narrative. Points to modern information flow but emphasizes it’s not the same as experienced international reporters.
- Quote: “Not as good as it would be...if there were real journalists, international journalists there, real journals from legacy media...” (01:34)
- Christiane Amanpour: Takes a harder line, warning of Israel sliding toward “illiberal democracy” and targeting journalists, especially Palestinians, sometimes fatally.
- Quote: “Palestinian journalists...are being deliberately targeted and killed. And...this government in Israel does not want the world to know what’s going on.” (04:15)
- Reflects on the past power of journalistic reporting (“CNN factor”) to effect policy change and laments erosion of that influence.
- Notes that absence of external media is turning Israel into a pariah, with no checks and balances from a free press.
2. Security Guarantees and the War in Ukraine
[06:04–10:14]
- Listener Question: Are proposed European military guarantees in Ukraine just NATO by another name?
- Jamie Rubin: Explains difference—while not formal NATO membership, the new security guarantees aim to deter Russia through threat of unified response. Stresses need to project strength.
- Quote: “Bullies, in my experience, when confronted with force and strength, back down. And that’s what I believe Putin would do...” (08:02)
- Christiane Amanpour: Adds that Putin refuses all such proposals, referencing Russia’s disregard for the Budapest Memorandum and its promises.
- Quote: "[Russia] doesn't want to meet with Zelensky because he doesn't even consider Ukraine to be a country." (08:44)
- Both: Praise President Biden for leading the united Western response, yet note there’s still a lack of a true peace plan.
3. Comparing Trump to Authoritarian Regimes
[10:59–16:21]
- Listener Question: For a Persian-Canadian listener who grew up in revolutionary Iran, are Trump’s actions similar to Khomeini’s regime, and will the US find a way out?
- Christiane Amanpour: Draws parallels in authoritarian methods—using paramilitary forces, intimidating journalists, rewriting history—though stops short of equating Trump with total theocracies.
- Quote: “What Trump is doing is increasingly imitating authoritarian regimes...certainly illiberal democracies.” (12:13)
- Jamie Rubin: Reminds listeners of US institutional guardrails—court system and impending elections—which may constrain authoritarian drift.
- Quote: “There is a court system in the United States. There are going to be elections in a year..." (14:12)
- Argued pendulum has swung too far for most Americans’ comfort, suggesting backlash is coming.
4. Shift of Left-leaning Parties to the Center
[16:21–17:49]
- Listener Question: Why have Democrats and similar parties moved to the center?
- Jamie Rubin: “Because we want to win.” Explains US is broadly centrist, and elections are decided by swing voters. Ideological purity loses elections; pragmatism wins.
- Quote: “The election is about the middle 10%. And by going to the center, I think we have a better chance of winning them.” (17:40)
5. Trump’s Approach to Russia & Authoritarian Leaders
[17:55–21:05]
- Listener Question: Why is Trump so soft on Russia?
- Jamie Rubin: Attributes it to Trump’s affinity for strongmen and CEO-style governance; speculates Trump dreams of being on a first-name basis with Putin and Xi.
- Quote: “He wants to be an authoritarian leader. He was a CEO, he runs his family, his company, and now wants to run the country the same way.” (18:23)
- Christiane Amanpour: Notes Trump’s belief in the power of his personal charisma—but observes diplomacy doesn’t work like Trump believes.
- Quote: “He just thinks that by phone calls he can do it.” (19:59)
- Rubin & Amanpour: Mock Trump’s attempts at flattery and grand summits, arguing that real adversaries like Putin and Xi are not swayed by ego-stroking.
6. China on the Rise, the West in Decline?
[21:40–22:21]
- Listener Question: Is the time of the West waning?
- Jamie Rubin: Says it could be if the US doesn’t “turn things around.” America is still the indispensable nation if it leverages alliances and upholds democratic values.
7. Advice for Aspiring Journalists
[22:21–24:33]
- Listener Question: Tips for young people entering journalism?
- Christiane Amanpour: Calls journalism noble, vital, and central to democracy—even as the profession faces deadly hazards and skepticism. Encourages persistence.
- Quote: "It’s a great profession, it’s a noble profession, It’s a vital profession...it is vital and people need to keep doing it somehow because it’s the only thing that holds power accountable." (22:33)
- Jamie Rubin: Adds that pride in purpose and societal impact is deeply rewarding—suggesting it’s better than soulless high-paying jobs.
- Quote: “That’s the reason to be in professions like journalism, because you get up in the morning, you’re proud of what you’re doing.” (24:15)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Christiane Amanpour [04:15]: “Palestinian journalists...are being deliberately targeted and killed...this government in Israel does not want the world to know what’s going on.”
- Jamie Rubin [14:12]: “There is a court system in the United States. There are going to be elections...I hope will be counteracted by court decisions that are approved by the Supreme Court, I hope, and elections which take the power back.”
- Christiane Amanpour [12:13]: "What Trump is doing is increasingly imitating authoritarian regimes...but certainly illiberal democracies."
- Jamie Rubin [18:23]: “He wants to be an authoritarian leader...he runs his family, his company, and now wants to run the country the same way.”
- Christiane Amanpour [22:33]: “It’s a great profession, it’s a noble profession, It’s a vital profession...the only thing that holds power accountable.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:02–05:57: Press Freedom & Gaza
- 06:04–10:14: Security Guarantees in Ukraine
- 10:59–16:21: Trump vs. Khomeini, Authoritarianism
- 16:21–17:49: Democratic Party Moves Center
- 17:55–21:05: Trump’s Softness on Russia
- 21:40–22:21: Is the West Waning?
- 22:21–24:33: Advice for Journalists
Tone and Style
The conversation is candid, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable, marked by a blend of urgency, personal reminiscence, and wry humor. Christiane exhibits directness and moral clarity; Jamie offers nuanced, often pragmatic analysis—with both hosts finishing each other’s thoughts and bouncing off one another with practiced ease.
Conclusion
This episode provides sharp, accessible analysis for those grappling with the decline of liberal world order, the perils facing democracy, and the dangerous magnetism of strongmen. Amanpour and Rubin’s decades of experience grant listeners a front-row seat to global affairs—fused with advice for future generations and a plea for the preservation of principled journalism.