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Christiane Amanpour
This is a Global Player original podcast.
Jamie Rubin
Hello, and welcome to the bonus episode of the X Files with me, Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin. This is the Q and A episode where we answer your questions. Thank you to everyone who sent them in. Please do keep sending and ask us anything you like, and we will try to answer as many as we can from our experiences in the field and our encounters with world leaders. You can always find us on social media. Our handle is Manpurpod. Or email us. We're amanpourpodlobal.com so let's get started.
Christiane Amanpour
All right, let's try something new. I'm gonna start these questions. So Anka on Instagram and Fiorella on Instagram really are addressing the same question. Trump is an immigrant. Why does he hate immigrants? And why can't he understand why people are protesting his immigration policies? You wanna start?
Jamie Rubin
No, no, you answer. Because the other thing is also, what is the likelihood of a military coup occurring in the United States?
Christiane Amanpour
Look, we are a country built on immigration. The American Indians were here first. Puritans came. We created a country based on an idea that all men and women are created equal. We eventually solved the slavery problem. It took us 100 years. Our power is built on immigration, getting the best and the brightest to come to the. The Statue of Liberty. All these things I grew up with. Why Trump hates immigrants, you know, he'll have to explain, but clearly he's creating political civil strife in our country. We have soldiers in Los Angeles over the objections of the governor of California. We have a Minnesota politician killed on a list of people to kill by a crazy man. We have real political strife in this country.
Jamie Rubin
This is.
Christiane Amanpour
No, I don't think there's going to be a military coup in the United States. I think our system will hold, but it's being stressed like it's never been stressed before.
Jamie Rubin
And just to add, you know, he likes some immigrants. He likes immigrants from Scandinavia and whites from South Africa. He likes some, he just doesn't like others. And he has now expanded a list of banning whole countries from coming to the U.S. so that's Trump. You know, that is Trump. Now, Fadi on TikTok, if we share our opinions online, we're denied entry to the U.S. and if we don't, then our credibility is called into question. That's according to the US Government cable Jamie shared recently. So, Jamie, what should students do, says Fadi, to protect themselves? Not everyone is interested in being on social media. It's a catch 22. It's awful.
Christiane Amanpour
She's absolutely right. That's what I thought.
Jamie Rubin
No, that's me. I said It's a catch 22. Fardi was the substance of it.
Christiane Amanpour
No, you're right about it being a catch 22 and she's right about that.
Jamie Rubin
How do you know it's a she?
Christiane Amanpour
Fadi.
Jamie Rubin
Yeah. Could be a guy. Anyway, they are right.
Christiane Amanpour
Okay. Anyway, the question is what to do. And I think for those of us like me, frankly, and a lot of other people who don't feel the need to share every opinion they ever had on social media, I think you gotta come in with a rap for the immigration officer and say, look, I know that there's this cable suggesting that a lack of social media is a sign of evasion. I'm not evading anything. I've never been on social media. I don't share social media. I'm not part of that world. And just diffuse the situation by volunteering it to the immigration officer.
Jamie Rubin
Yeah, it's horrible for all these poor people. It really is. Now Jomana on email says, do you think that Trump's credibility around the world is eroding to the extent that even Iran no longer fears him and is buying time to see what might happen domestically in the US before agreeing to any other deal? Now, I think feel, and I sense that this question may have come in before the attacks started to attack Iran. But I can still answer it to an extent because even in the aftermath of the attack, the Iranian foreign minister said they are still open to make a deal. I mean, I think I've got that right. I saw it. And I think that Trump is still saying we're open to make a deal. So I don't know where it's going. But the truth is they were very skeptical about Trump because he's the one who pulled out of the deal that was negotiated under the Obama administration. But I think they realize that they don't have a huge number of cards to play right now and they do want a deal anyway, cuz they want the sanctions lifted. But that seems to me, Jamie, a long way into the future because of this active war right now.
Christiane Amanpour
Yes, I think you're right. Look, Trump has certain abilities because of his the unknown sort of madman theory that Richard Nixon used to use. Nobody knows what Richard Nixon was going to do. He thought that'll help them make peace with Vietnam. Whether that did or didn't, I don't know. Trump has that qualities. But I think, as you say, the Iranians want to make a deal. The problem they have is they may not be able to compromise sufficiently. They didn't compromise sufficiently with Obama. The deal made back then had some flaws. I was for it on balance, but it had some flaws. It was expiring in 10 years certain restrictions. Other restrictions expire in 15 years. They don't need a massive enrichment program. The right to enrich is not the same as having a big enrichment program. And if I were the Iranians, once this war settles down, and hopefully it will, and hopefully it won't involve mass casualties on both sides beyond, you know, what's going on now, I would start to be a little more realistic about what they need to do to convince the world they're not Russia rushing to build a nuclear weapon. They've lost credibility. Remember, Netanyahu is wrong that they were rushing to build a weapon. But he's right that they were violating the iaea, the International Atomic Energy Agency's restrictions. The IAEA did a full condemnation of all their refusals to comply and refusals to admit to what they had been doing in the past and to open up their program. They need to get real. They are not as strong as they were five years ago. With Hezbollah on their side and Assad on their side, they can't trans for weapons to Hezbollah through Syria. They need to get real.
Jamie Rubin
Now. This you can address better than I can. Vicky on email. The midterm elections are coming up. What vision can the Democrats offer to encourage votes to give them majorities in Congress? Is it possible they can make gains simply by campaigning to slow down Trump?
Christiane Amanpour
Look, my political judgments have never been perfect, as two elections that Trump won prove. But I think the answer to the question they say isn't contained in the question itself. Yes, we should. Democrats campaign to take the edge off Trump's excesses. Democracy and the US System is built on checks and balances. We need a big check and balance in the form of a House majority, ideally a Senate majority, but at least a House majority. And then, you know, the Trumpies know this. I've heard Donald Trump Jr. Is running around Eastern Europe saying we've only got 18 months to get all our deals done because after that, the investigative tools of Congress will be used against us. They know that given how close the House is, that unless some dramatically stupid campaigns occur, the Democrats should win the House back and hold Trump to account. He's broken rules and norms and policies that American presidents have never done before. And I think the public, most of the public, thinks he's gone too far. So, yes, I think we could slow him down. I Think we can win the terms.
Jamie Rubin
Two observations from me on that. There were actually, and everybody was surprised by the extent and the, you know, the nature of them, huge protests this weekend across the United States called the no Kings protest. And it was basically doing just that, protesting finally in a big and organized manner across the country, this idea of massive executive power and pushing all the boundaries of the constitutional, you know, limits. And also because of sending in the troops to California and other places to enforce his political immigration agenda. So I think that was interesting regarding that question. And just on the other thing, just to expand on what Jamie was saying. With Donald Trump Jr. Going around the world talking about, now is the time to conclude our deals. These are real estate deals that Trump's organization is doing. He's not meant to have any hand in it, but the boys are doing it. And of course, it kicks back, you know, eventually to the whole family. But here's an interesting one, Jamie, because they've tried to buy or to develop and buy a building in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. It was damaged during the NATO bombing of Serbia. When you were in government.
Christiane Amanpour
I know.
Jamie Rubin
No, I know. But the point is that building had been prescribed as a, for want of a better word, cultural heritage building, and it could not just be sold for any business to anybody without, you know, full consultation. Anyway, the president of Serbia, wanting to cozy up to Trump, decided to let them have it anyway. But the organization has actually stood up and they are launching an investigation, and this permission is possible that it's going to be pulled. So I think that's interesting. There's a lot of real estate, even in Vietnam, that the Trump brothers, on behalf of their dad and the organization, are trying to, you know, buy at premium prices and favored status, if you like. And that's going to cause a lot of problems.
Christiane Amanpour
There's never been, ever a situation where the president and his family have tried to monetize the presidency to make millions and billions for the family because he was president in the past, even small amounts of money were deemed to be gross violations of the emulments clause of the Constitution. Now we're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars thrown around and bitcoin and real estate deals, all for the benefit of the Trump family. And I predict to you that when the Democrats do take the House back, Whether it's in 18 months or 2 years and 18 months, there are going to be investigations like you've never seen for the rest of my life. There are going to be congressional committees examining what kind of deals were made during the first 18 months of this Trump administration.
Jamie Rubin
Well, I tell you, Trump has been held accountable many, many times. Except that it doesn't go anywhere and he somehow manages to be able to.
Christiane Amanpour
We gotta still try. Democrats gotta still try.
Jamie Rubin
Yeah, but that's for the Democrats.
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Jamie Rubin
Okay, now, Diana on Facebook. Would it be possible for the world to knock the US out of the global equation altogether and set up a new economic and defense mechanism that does not rely on the United States? So yes and no is my view. They're being forced to do it right now. They'd rather do it.
Christiane Amanpour
A yes and no is the right answer there. Look, I don't want that to happen. That shouldn't happen. The United States has been a responsible leader of the international economy and the international community for my entire life. And going back to at least the 1945 end of, remember, we did something amazing. We did something based on the principle of enlightened self interest. We helped to rebuild Germany, we helped to rebuild Japan, we wanted to rebuild Europe and Asia so that they could be successful economically, even if that meant they were competitors economically. That was the whole idea. So America, when it's working right, when it's leading right, when it has the right leadership and the right understanding of history and our role in the world is a good shepherd of the international economy. Right now it's not. And the rest of the world is responding to that in their own way, in their own capabilities. Look, Trump is at the G7 right now and that's what all the leaders are thinking. My favorite thing this week was President Macron of France traveling to Greenland. Talk about a thumbing of his nose. Macron left Greenland to fly to Canada for the G7 summit.
Jamie Rubin
He arrived, he threatened to save it from a US Invasion or to.
Christiane Amanpour
Yeah, he said he called it expressing solidarity with the Danish and Greenland leadership. Talk about a thumbing his nose at President Trump and his brother.
Jamie Rubin
And just so that everybody's clear, Macron was one of the Trump whisperers in this 1.0. In other words, he really made it his business to remember There was a lot of touchy feeling, although they had.
Christiane Amanpour
That manly handshake where they were who was gonna hold on longest.
Jamie Rubin
Anyway, can I just say, sue on Threads had also asked about this, a level of corruption in the Trump presidency and how it's allowed, et cetera. I think we answered that in the question, you know, when we talked about the real estate deals. And so I'm glad we were able to mention sue on Threads as well. And I think that we've answered Vicki on email because she wanted to know about the midterm elections. And how about the last, last question relating to us ourselves. Jamie, do you want to read that last question?
Christiane Amanpour
Yes, I would. X SC I don't know what that stands for, but SC on Instagram asks the following. In a turbulent world, does looking back on the past give you hope for the future?
Jamie Rubin
I think depends on where you look back and how far. But in general, yes, because I genuinely believe, and that's part of the reason for this podcast, is that if you take past whatever they are issues and you see how they were worked out. I'm talking about the ones that were worked out, how they succeeded and what they were able to do, and the ones that didn't give you some a roadmap for maybe doing it differently in the future. And I think that's a little bit of what we're trying to do to sort of reach back and stretch to some of those policies and negotiations and encounters in the past to see whether that they can be implemented or learned from, to find solutions for the future. So in a word, I do feel that that gives hope for the future. But my big but is I don't recall in my lifetime anyway. I'm sure it occurred in history, but in my lifetime, such a piss poor level of global leadership. I'm stunned. I'm stunned. I really am stunned. It's just the strongest survive right now. Nobody quite knows how to really bust through the fear and the hardships and the partisan and the extremists and get the right thing done.
Christiane Amanpour
Yeah. Let me pontificate on that for a moment, madam. Look, there's always a battle in historians view, between the role of leaders personally and the role of forces at the greater people level, and which is more important. And different historians have different takes on it. But if history is driven by leadership, we've got a real problem all over the world. We have weakness in the democratic world. The leaders that are selected and elected are really not doing things that make people proud of their leaders. I mean, there may be people who are proud of Trump in the Trump world, but I can assure you the majority of Americans are not now proud of their president, given what he's done on immigration, what he's done with sending troops into Los Angeles, and what he's done by alienating the world. You know, the first rule of thumb for America's special role in the world. I mentioned earlier, enlightened self interest, helping allies and friends understand that we're not only just doing what's purely in our self interest, but we want a greater good. We want the rising tide to lift all boats. That has been our policy. We want to help people in Africa by giving them antiretroviral drugs to stop aids. We want to have economies grow through free trade if possible, but it has to be fair trade. That's been our policy. And Trump is throwing those out. And allies are becoming, becoming the alienated peoples. Macron said, how can I do business with you if every day you're insulting my country? Meanwhile, as you say, what's happening in the larger stage, China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Putin, are getting increasingly comfortable in their region doing whatever they want because the United States has stepped back. And what that tells me is that Trump has got his grand strategy wrong. I'm going to say something I haven't said before, but I think in truth, what our policy ought to be, because of the Chinese threat that you hear me talk about, because of Putin's war. We used to use this phrase back in the day, you'll remember this phrase, dual containment. We need dual containment. We need to contain Russia's threat to Europe, and we need to contain China's threat to Asia and to the wider world. And that dual containment requires alliances. We need all of our allies in Europe, all of our allies in Asia, and then together with the United States, we are far, far stronger than the China Russia alliance. Even with North Korea, even with Iran. And that's what we need to do.
Jamie Rubin
Okay, so we're going to end. It's relevant to SK's question and to what you've been saying. I'm going to end with two headlines that I've just.
Christiane Amanpour
Sorry, it needs to be sc. We don't want her to be insulted. Sc.
Jamie Rubin
SC and you. I am going to end with two headlines that have just popped up from the magazine Foreign Affairs. And one of them says imperial President at Home, Emperor Abroad. American foreign policy in an age of unrestrained executive power. That might be interesting to read. And then on the issue really at hand right now, the war between Israel and Iran. Don't give up on diplomacy with Iran. To avoid a wider war, America should push now for a nuclear deal. That's by Ali Vaez. He's the Iran head of the International Crisis Group. Yes, and I've interviewed him many times.
Christiane Amanpour
Can I quickly make a point on that first one since we have plenty? We have a few more minutes.
Jamie Rubin
We only have one.
Christiane Amanpour
Let me just say that the idea of Trump being emperor abroad, I think is missing the point. There's an emperor in the world. It's Xi Jinping. He runs China as an emperor. He runs China as an emperor. And Donald Trump, as you pointed out at the beginning of this program, has been ineffective abroad. His entire international economic policy is laughed at with this phrase. Taco Trump always chickens out. And his peace policy in Gaza, in Ukraine and in Iran has failed spectacularly.
Jamie Rubin
And they've all got worse.
Christiane Amanpour
Here's Donald Trump attacking Biden, saying, these are all Biden's faults and I could solve them. 1, 2, 3, snap my fingers and I got Putin in my pocket and I'll end the war in Gaza. I'll move all the people out and make it beautiful real estate, you know, for south of France and then in Iran, I am going to make a beautiful deal. Donald Trump's history is to talk about beautiful deals in foreign policy, but never to achieve them. And that is why the war is going on in Iran and Israel. That is why the war is continuing in Ukraine and Russia, and that is why the Gaza war is continuing. None of these peace diplomacy plans work.
Jamie Rubin
Because they're not really tried or thought out. It's one man talking. That's. That's what's happening. Jamie Rubin, goodbye.
Christiane Amanpour
Goodbye.
Jamie Rubin
Thanks for listening to the bonus episode of Christiana Manpour and the X Files with Jamie Rubin. Remember, if you have a question for us that you'd like us to answer next time about something in the news or something we've done during our careers or something we said in previous episodes. Find us on all the major social media platforms. Our handle is Manpurpod. Or email us@amanpourpodlobal.com Our next episode is out on Tuesday. Wherever you get your podcasts. And remember, you can listen for free on Global Player. You can download it from the App Store or go to globalplayer.com.
Christiane Amanpour
This is a Global Player original podcast.
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Summary of "Q&A: Why has Trump created such a hostile environment for immigrants?"
Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files
Release Date: June 18, 2025
In this engaging Q&A episode of The Ex Files, renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour and her former husband, Jamie Rubin, delve into pressing global issues shaped by former U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. Drawing from their extensive experiences in international affairs, Amanpour and Rubin address listener-submitted questions, providing insightful analysis and candid perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape.
Listeners: Anka and Fiorella (Instagram)
Timestamp: [00:42]
The episode opens with Anka and Fiorella posing a critical question: "Trump is an immigrant. Why does he hate immigrants? And why can't he understand why people are protesting his immigration policies?"
Christiane Amanpour responds by highlighting the foundational role of immigration in building the United States:
"We are a country built on immigration... Our power is built on immigration, getting the best and the brightest to come to the Statue of Liberty." ([01:01])
She criticizes Trump's approach, emphasizing the resultant political strife and societal divisions:
"Clearly he's creating political civil strife in our country... We have real political strife in this country." ([01:48])
Jamie Rubin adds nuance by pointing out the selective nature of Trump's immigration preferences:
"He likes some immigrants. He likes immigrants from Scandinavia and whites from South Africa. He likes some, he just doesn't like others." ([02:12])
Key Points:
Listener: Fadi (TikTok)
Timestamp: [02:51]
Fadi raises concerns about immigrants being denied entry based on their social media activity:
"If we share our opinions online, we're denied entry to the U.S. and if we don't, then our credibility is called into question." ([02:51])
Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin discuss the predicament faced by aspiring immigrants:
"It's a catch 22. It's awful." ([02:56])
Amanpour suggests a practical approach for those not active on social media:
"Come in with a rap for the immigration officer... I'm not part of that world." ([03:07])
Key Points:
Listener: Jomana (Email)
Timestamp: [03:42]
Jomana questions whether Trump's global credibility has diminished to the point where even adversaries like Iran no longer fear him, potentially stalling diplomatic progress.
Rubin acknowledges ongoing dialogues despite setbacks:
"Even in the aftermath of the attack, the Iranian foreign minister said they are still open to make a deal." ([04:05])
Amanpour elaborates on the complexities of U.S.-Iran negotiations:
"They need to get real. They are not as strong as they were five years ago." ([06:37])
Key Points:
Listener: Vicky (Email)
Timestamp: [06:37]
Vicky asks what vision Democrats can offer to secure majorities in Congress and whether opposing Trump is a sufficient campaign strategy.
Amanpour emphasizes the importance of checks and balances:
"We need a big check and balance in the form of a House majority, ideally a Senate majority." ([07:00])
She expresses optimism about Democratic prospects:
"Unless some dramatically stupid campaigns occur, the Democrats should win the House back and hold Trump to account." ([07:20])
Rubin adds context by referencing recent protests and Trump's international dealings:
"There were huge protests this weekend... Trump’s organization is trying to buy at premium prices and favored status." ([08:07])
Amanpour warns of impending investigations:
"When the Democrats do take the House back... there are going to be investigations like you've never seen before." ([10:10])
Key Points:
Listener: Diana (Facebook)
Timestamp: [12:27]
Diana inquires whether the world could exclude the U.S. from its economic and defense frameworks, establishing new systems independent of American influence.
Rubin offers a balanced view:
"Yes and no... They're being forced to do it right now." ([12:46])
Amanpour reflects on America's historical role:
"The United States has been a responsible leader of the international economy... Trump is throwing those out." ([13:00])
She critiques current leadership's failure to maintain global alliances:
"We need dual containment. We need to contain Russia's threat to Europe, and we need to contain China's threat to Asia." ([18:00])
Key Points:
Listener: SC (Instagram)
Timestamp: [15:03]
SC asks whether reflecting on the past provides hope for the future amid global turbulence.
Rubin affirms, emphasizing the value of historical lessons:
"If you take past issues and see how they were worked out... that gives hope for the future." ([15:18])
However, he expresses concern over current global leadership:
"In my lifetime, such a piss poor level of global leadership. I'm stunned." ([16:37])
Amanpour discusses the critical role of effective leadership:
"We have weakness in the democratic world... Trump's grand strategy wrong." ([17:00])
She advocates for renewed alliances to counter global threats:
"We need dual containment... together with the United States, we are far, far stronger than the China Russia alliance." ([18:00])
Key Points:
Timestamp: [19:26] - [21:51]
In their concluding remarks, Amanpour and Rubin reflect on the broader implications of Trump's presidency on international relations and domestic politics. They highlight the uniqueness of Trump's approach, contrasting it with authoritarian figures like China's Xi Jinping.
Amanpour criticizes the monetization of the presidency:
"There's never been... money thrown around... Violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution." ([10:10])
She underscores the inadequacy of Trump's diplomatic strategies:
"Donald Trump's history is to talk about beautiful deals in foreign policy, but never to achieve them." ([21:02])
Rubin reinforces the challenges posed by unilateral leadership:
"Because they're not really tried or thought out. It's one man talking. That's what's happening." ([21:39])
Key Points:
Christiane Amanpour:
"We are a country built on immigration... Our power is built on immigration, getting the best and the brightest to come to the Statue of Liberty." ([01:01])
Jamie Rubin:
"He likes some immigrants. He likes immigrants from Scandinavia and whites from South Africa. He likes some, he just doesn't like others." ([02:12])
Christiane Amanpour:
"We aren't doing things that make people proud of their leaders... We're behaving in ways that are pushing allies away." ([17:30])
Jamie Rubin:
"The boys are trying to buy buildings in Serbia, but it's causing political and legal issues." ([09:21])
Christiane Amanpour:
"Trump has got his grand strategy wrong... We need dual containment." ([18:00])
This episode of The Ex Files offers a comprehensive examination of Donald Trump's legacy, particularly his immigration policies and their far-reaching consequences on both domestic and global stages. Amanpour and Rubin skillfully dissect the complexities of current events, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the United States and the international community. Their informed analysis not only sheds light on present-day issues but also underscores the importance of effective leadership and strategic alliances in navigating an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
For those seeking deeper insights into global affairs and the intricate interplay of politics, policies, and leadership, this episode serves as an essential resource, encapsulating the critical discourse shaping our world today.