Podcast Summary

Podcast: Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files
Episode: Q&A: The future of MAGA, life after Trump, and the FIFA Peace Prize
Hosts: Christiane Amanpour, Jamie Rubin
Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this wide-ranging Q&A special, Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin tackle listeners’ most pressing questions on US and global politics. From the future of MAGA and America’s international reputation after Trump, to the vulnerabilities of US alliances, the global spread of right-wing populism, the implications of FIFA’s controversial peace prize for Trump, and navigating unlawful orders in the military—they deliver candid insights, sharp analysis, and a dash of humor rooted in decades of experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life After Trump: Can America Recover?

(00:22–07:10)

• Damage to Institutions:
  • Both hosts agree Trump’s impact on the press, political trust, and alliances is profound and possibly irreversible.
  • Christiane Amanpour: “In my own business, which is the free press, a lot of damage. Although there's a lot of great reporting still going on... But the whole corporate structure has been terribly influenced.” (00:44)
  • She notes the radicalization and unity of Trump’s inner circle in his second term: “Much more organized this time… all singing from the same hymn sheet.” (02:42)
• Allies in Doubt:
  • Jamie Rubin underscores the global loss of confidence: “It will not be possible to return to the strength, to the respect, admiration and fear of the United States that existed prior to Donald Trump's presidency.” (02:56)
  • He warns that weakened alliances—America’s unique strength—could have long-term effects, but also claims some positives: Europe and Asia have become more self-reliant in defense (03:34).
• Shifting Party Ideologies:
  • Rubin points to a critical moment for the Republican party: will it retain Trump’s isolationism, or revert to more traditional, neoconservative roots? He contrasts possible future leaders: “The battle will be between Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance.” (05:08)
  • Democratic party’s trajectory is also uncertain; Rubin hopes they don’t sway toward isolationism. (06:01)
• Elections as a Turning Point:
  • The upcoming elections could shift direction. Rubin: “The sooner we get rid of Trump’s all Republican government… maybe we’ll see the direction turn.” (06:56)

Notable Quote

“America’s credibility has been shattered… The alliances have been weakened and alliances in the end are based to a degree on trust.”
—Jamie Rubin (03:18)

2. The MAGA Movement and The American Political Future

(07:10–13:46)

• Cracks in MAGA:
  • Christiane highlights Trump’s declining approval, the MAGA movement’s internal divisions over tariffs, the Epstein file release, and public pushback during the Jimmy Kimmel incident: “In a way, that was the beginning of the end of the Trump domination.” (08:46)
  • Rubin elaborates on internal conflicts and leadership tensions: “The MAGA movement is cracking. That happened demonstrably when they voted to release the Epstein files, and Trump couldn’t stop that.” (08:20)
• Democratic Leadership Dilemma:
  • No clear leader is emerging; Hakeem Jeffries is highlighted as a likely “poll position” holder if Democrats retake the House (09:41).
  • Rubin urges the party to select a moderate, authentic messenger to connect with Americans (11:15).
• Investigating 'Trump Inc.':
  • If Democrats regain the House, investigations will intensify: “We’re going to find stuff out like we’ve never seen before in terms of billions of dollars being thrown around that affects national policy.” (10:15)
• Global Populism—MAGA in Europe:
  • Amanpour warns that the UK's "Reform" party (heirs to Brexit Party) and figures like Nigel Farage mirror MAGA trends—right-wing populism is spreading, emboldened by Trump’s global rhetoric (11:40–13:46).
  • US foreign policy now explicitly challenges mainstream European parties, supporting far-right groups.
• Brexit, Immigration, and Right-Wing Surge:
  • The Syria refugee crisis and the immigration backlash are linked to Brexit’s “terrible victory.” (13:46)
  • Amanpour stresses the enduring power of factual reporting in confronting populist myths, especially around immigration stats (14:24).

Notable Exchange

“MAGA is coming to Europe, potentially.”
—Christiane Amanpour (13:43)

3. FIFA Awards Trump a Peace Prize: PR, Power, and Perception

(15:47–19:44)

• FIFA’s Motivation:
  • Amanpour is skeptical: "For me it's like bending the knee all over again. And they're pretty good at it, FIFA…" (16:04)
  • Giving Trump the prize is viewed as a PR move, possibly to secure World Cup concessions amid threats to shift venues along partisan lines.
• Impact on World Cup Atmosphere:
  • Questions arise on international visitors' safety and welcome in the US under Trump: “People are concerned about… what’s going to happen when I arrive at the airport?” (16:54)
  • Jamie notes US tourism from Europe is down due to the administration’s hostile posture.
• Damage to US Reputation:
  • Rubin: “The weaponization of government by Donald Trump has done untold damage to the reputation of the United States.” (18:34)
  • Both hope for a successful, inclusive World Cup.

Notable Quote

“Donald Trump cares about publicity and one of his great skills is to be part of whatever the latest thing is.”
—Jamie Rubin (18:18)

4. Unlawful Military Orders: Dangers and Dilemmas

(19:44–22:32)

• Legal Framework:
  • Rubin reminds listeners that all military members are instructed not to follow unlawful orders, but real-world repercussions depend on military culture and politics: “They should not face retribution… Would they face retribution? That’s a different question.” (20:14)
• Current Context:
  • Recent US operations, notably against Venezuela, raise serious concerns about illegal orders (21:28).
  • Politicization under figures like Pete Hegseth has damaged the armed forces' morale and integrity.
• Calls for Accountability:
  • Bipartisan focus is growing around unlawful conduct; military and intelligence veterans are urging resistance to illegal orders (22:14).

Memorable Moment

“To order the murder or killing of people in the water who are survivors is just horrifying. I think that is an illegal order, but I’m not a lawyer.”
—Jamie Rubin (21:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On American Credibility:
  “It will not be possible to return to the strength, to the respect, admiration and fear of the United States that existed prior to Donald Trump's presidency… those alliances have been weakened." —Jamie Rubin (02:56)

• On the MAGA Movement’s Fractures:
  “The MAGA movement is cracking. That happened demonstrably when they voted to release the Epstein files, and Trump couldn’t stop that.” —Jamie Rubin (08:20) “That was the beginning of the end of the Trump domination.” —Christiane Amanpour (08:46)

• On Europe’s Populist Surge:
  “MAGA is coming to Europe, potentially.” —Christiane Amanpour (13:43)

• On FIFA’s Prize:
  “For me, it’s like bending the knee all over again. And they're pretty good at it, FIFA.” —Christiane Amanpour (16:04) “Donald Trump cares about publicity and one of his great skills is to be part of whatever the latest thing is.” —Jamie Rubin (18:18)

• On Following Orders in the Military:
  “They should not face retribution. Would they face retribution? That’s a different question.” —Jamie Rubin (20:14) “To order the murder or killing of people in the water who are survivors is just horrifying. I think that is an illegal order, but I’m not a lawyer.” —Jamie Rubin (21:28)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:22–07:10: The possibility (or not) of restoring US credibility post-Trump.
• 07:10–13:46: The internal breakdown of MAGA; prospects for Republican and Democratic leadership.
• 13:46–15:12: Brexit, immigration, and the internationalization of MAGA-like populism.
• 15:47–19:44: FIFA’s peace prize to Trump and the politicization of international events.
• 19:44–22:32: Legal and ethical dilemmas for military members under unlawful orders.

Conclusion

This episode delivers a frank exploration of the fractured US political landscape, the long-term fallout of the Trump era, the vulnerabilities in American and allied institutions, and the global creep of populism. Amanpour and Rubin offer sharp, deeply informed responses—in turns concerned, sardonic, and hopeful—making complex international issues clear and relevant for curious listeners. The episode closes with a sober warning on the importance of truth, accountability, and authentic leadership in defending democracy at home and abroad.