Letters from an American – December 22, 2025
Podcast Host (substitute reader): Michael Moss
Written by: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode Date: December 23, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode, narrated by Michael Moss in place of Heather Cox Richardson, explores the latest developments in American politics with a focus on President Donald Trump's announcement of the "Trump class" battleships, ongoing infighting within the MAGA and broader Republican movement, the release (and cover-up) of the Epstein files, and controversial censorship at CBS News. Richardson delves into the historical and political implications of each event, painting a portrait of a fractured political landscape defined by spectacle, infighting, and shifting allegiances.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump Class Battleships Announcement
- President Trump announced creation of two "Trump class" battleships for the U.S. Navy, personally involved in design and aesthetics.
- The vessels are part of a so-called "Golden Fleet," with gold detailing and even a likeness of Trump himself on the deck.
- Context: Last U.S. battleship built was completed in mid-20th century; modern navies have moved away from such ships.
- Quote (01:10): “A former rear admiral...said the Golden Fleet is exactly what we don't need. The proposed ships are, he said, focused on the president's visual that a battleship is a cool looking ship.”
- Suggestion that the initiative is more about Trump's legacy and image than strategic needs.
2. Epstein Files Transparency Act and Fallout
- Trump expressed public frustration that attention was still on "Epstein files" and ongoing release of incriminating photographs.
- Quote (02:05): “A lot of people are very angry that pictures are being released of other people… you ruined a reputation of somebody.” – Donald Trump
- The Justice Department released only a portion of the files, heavily redacted, despite Congressional mandate for full disclosure.
- Accusations: DOJ accused of covering up deeply damaging information that might affect key figures.
- Former President Bill Clinton demands the immediate release of all documents, calling out the administration for non-compliance and suggesting he does not need protection.
- Quote (03:10): “Clinton says he needs no such protection and calls on President Trump to direct Attorney General Bondi to immediately release any remaining materials referring to...Bill Clinton.”
3. Growing MAGA Movement Fractures
- At Turning Point USA’s America Fest, influential conservatives clash over leadership and candidates for 2028.
- Erica Kirk (widow of Charlie Kirk) endorses Vice President JD Vance for president in 2028, despite Trump’s attempts to position himself for a third term (which is constitutionally impossible).
- Trump reportedly consulted Alan Dershowitz on the legality of serving a third term.
- Ben Shapiro lambasts far-right figures (Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Steve Bannon) as "frauds and grifters."
- Quote (05:45): “Ben Shapiro called out right wing influencers...who have lately moved even further toward the Nazi far right as frauds and grifters.”
- Notable Republican pushback, including Indiana state senators rejecting Trump’s demands for favorable redistricting.
4. Heritage Foundation and Conservative Schisms
- Departure of key staff from Heritage Foundation after its leader defends Tucker Carlson’s association with extremist Nick Fuentes.
- Many join Mike Pence's “Advancing American Freedom Foundation,” which rejects Trumpism’s isolationism and trade wars.
5. Media Suppression: The 60 Minutes Scandal
- CBS News, led by new Trump-aligned editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, pulled a well-vetted "60 Minutes" segment on the Trump administration’s rendition of migrants to El Salvador’s notorious Secot prison.
- Quote (09:25): “Our story was screened five times and cleared by both CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices. It is factually correct in my view. Pulling it now...is not an editorial decision. It is a political one.” – Sharon Alfonsi, CBS News
- The story still leaks into public view via Canadian release and viral bootlegs.
- Criticism from inside and outside CBS: pulling the story is framed as a direct political intervention and a blow to journalistic independence.
- Quote (10:45): “If the administration's refusal to participate becomes a valid reason to spike a story, we have effectively handed them a kill switch for any reporting they find inconvenient.” – Sharon Alfonsi
6. Media Consolidation & Power Plays
- Paramount Skydance (owned by Trump ally David Ellison) buys Bari Weiss’s Free Press, and attempts a hostile takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery (owner of CNN), with financial muscle from Larry Ellison.
7. Trump’s Diminishing Popularity and Gold-Centered Legacy
- Recent YouGov/Economist poll shows eroding support for Trump, especially among Republicans, and discontent with his handling of inflation.
- Commentary suggests Trump is more preoccupied with personal legacy, gold-themed monuments, and spectacle than substantive governance.
- Quote (15:05): “These all have the feeling of a man who is bored, tapped out, losing coherence and energy, and who others are trying to keep distracted.” – Josh Marshall
- At America Fest, Trump boasts to Jesse Waters about building “a monument to myself” — a ballroom four times the size of the White House.
- Quote (16:00): “Jesse, it's a monument. I'm building a monument to myself because no one else will.” – Donald Trump (as quoted by Jesse Waters)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Battleships as Vanity Projects
- Former rear admiral: “The Golden Fleet is exactly what we don't need...” (01:10)
- Epstein Files Uproar
- Trump: “A lot of people are very angry that this continues. A lot of Republicans, he added.” (02:35)
- Bill Clinton: “...calls on President Trump to direct Attorney General Bondi to immediately release any remaining materials...” (03:10)
- MAGA Fractures and Infighting
- Ben Shapiro: “...called out right wing influencers...as frauds and grifters.” (05:45)
- Media Suppression Outcry
- Sharon Alfonsi: “Pulling it now, after every rigorous internal check has been met is not an editorial decision. It is a political one.” (09:25)
- “Their refusal to be interviewed is a tactical maneuver designed to kill the story.” (10:35)
- Commentary on Trump’s Legacy
- Josh Marshall: “Crass, stupid, vulgar, unacceptable, and yet ultimately meaningless.” (15:10)
- Jesse Waters quoting Trump: “I’m building a monument to myself because no one else will.” (16:00)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:45 — Trump announces new "Trump class" battleships
- 02:00 — Epstein files controversy & redacted DOJ releases
- 03:00 — Bill Clinton challenges Trump to release all Epstein materials
- 04:20 — MAGA infighting at Turning Point USA’s America Fest
- 06:30 — Heritage Foundation exodus & Pence’s movement
- 08:50 — CBS News’ "60 Minutes" censorship incident emerges
- 10:00 — Journalistic independence under threat at CBS
- 12:30 — Paramount Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery takeover moves
- 13:40 — Poll data: Trump’s waning popularity among Republicans
- 15:00 — Josh Marshall on Trump’s hollow legacy
- 16:00 — Trump’s White House “monument” ambitions as relayed by Jesse Waters
Summary
This episode unpacks a transitional moment in the American right, marked by spectacle, legacy-building, and increasing fragmentation. Battleships emblazoned with Trump’s image, attempts to cover up the Epstein saga, open warfare within conservative circles, and growing control of the press by Trump associates all place democracy and transparency at risk. The narrative suggests a president focused on gold-plated monuments as his influence and coherence wane, exposing deep rifts and prompting new opposition even within his own base.