Letters from an American – January 11, 2026

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Theme: The Rapidly Escalating Political Crisis in the U.S. and Abroad

Episode Overview

In this episode, Heather Cox Richardson delivers a sweeping analysis of a tumultuous week in American politics. She traces a cascade of explosive events: from the unresolved Epstein files scandal, to newly revealed evidence about former President Trump’s conduct, to aggressive foreign maneuvers and political confrontations over fundamental institutions like the Federal Reserve. Richardson’s narration provides historical context and underscores the gravity—and the interconnectedness—of these unfolding headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Epstein Files Transparency Crisis

(00:21-02:05)

• Congress passed legislation mandating the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all Epstein-related investigative files by December 19.
• The DOJ, under Trump loyalists, has only released less than 1% of the files, in blatant violation of the law.
• Despite Trump’s campaign promise that the files would implicate Democrats, released materials instead suggest Trump’s own deep ties to Epstein's criminal activities.
• “Trump... is now openly flouting the law to keep them hidden.” (Heather Cox Richardson, 01:20)

2. Supreme Court Ruling on Federalized Troops

(02:05-02:50)

• On Dec. 23, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s claim to deploy federalized National Guard troops in Chicago.
• The decision effectively reins in Trump’s use of military power domestically.

3. Jack Smith Testimony & Trump’s Criminality

(02:50-04:08)

• New Year’s Eve: Republicans released Special Counsel Jack Smith’s testimony.
• Under oath, Smith asserts proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” that Trump criminally conspired to overturn the 2020 election and retained classified documents.
• "Our investigation also developed powerful evidence that showed that President Trump willfully retained highly classified documents... then repeatedly tried to obstruct justice." (Heather Cox Richardson, 03:52)

4. Escalation in Venezuela

(04:08-05:05)

• January 3: U.S. military captures Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
• Trump claims this operation is to combat “narco-terrorists” and explicitly states his intent to control Venezuelan oil.
• “He wanted control of Venezuela’s oil.” (Heather Cox Richardson, 04:25)

5. January 6 Anniversary & Revisionism

(05:05-06:18)

• On the fifth anniversary of the Capitol attack, the Trump White House rewrites the narrative, framing rioters as "peaceful, patriotic protesters" and blaming Democrats.
• This comes as federal forces surge into Democratic-led Minneapolis for the largest federal immigration enforcement operation to date.
• ICE agent kills a protester; administration labels the victim a domestic terrorist.

6. Congressional Pushback & Legislative Moves

(06:18-07:30)

• Bipartisan Congressional action to pressure DOJ for Epstein files compliance—Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie request judicial enforcement.
• The House passes ACA tax credit extension; the Senate advances a bill to block further Venezuelan incursions.
• Senate unanimously agrees to install a plaque honoring Capitol Police for January 6, 2021, ending years of Republican obstruction.

7. Trump Threatens Greenland and NATO Fallout

(07:30-09:01)

• Trump publicly threatens action against Greenland, a NATO ally, alarming U.S. and European leaders.
• “You are essentially talking about the United States going to war with NATO...with Europe.”
  (Senator Chris Murphy, 07:55)
• European leaders issue a joint statement affirming Greenland’s sovereignty.

8. Oil Executives & Venezuelan Oil Spoils

(09:01-09:56)

• At a meeting with oil executives, Trump promises U.S. control over Venezuelan oil, but companies express wariness due to infrastructure uncertainty.
• Oil companies seek compensation for past nationalization losses; Trump rebuffs them:
  “We’re not going to look at what people lost in the past because that was their fault...a different president. You’re going to make a lot of money, but we’re not going to go back.”
  (Donald Trump via Richardson, 09:42)

9. New National Emergency Decree

(09:56-10:55)

• Trump signs his 10th national emergency order, blocking oil sale revenues from compensating U.S. companies.
• Justifies this as protecting U.S. interests and stability in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere.

10. Assault on Federal Reserve Independence

(10:55-12:19)

• Fed Chair Jerome Powell, appointed by Trump, is now under criminal investigation—seemingly in retaliation for not lowering interest rates per Trump’s demands.
• Powell denounces the charges as baseless and vows to defend the Fed’s independence:
  “The Fed will continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions… not political pressure.” (Jerome Powell, 11:59)
• Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) pledges to block any new Fed nominee until the case is resolved, highlighting the unprecedented “weaponization” of the DOJ.

11. Wider Political and Institutional Fallout

(12:19-12:42)

• Politico’s Kyle Cheney and conservative attorney George Conway publicly condemn the administration’s campaign against Federal Reserve independence and abuses of DOJ power.
• Trump posts a portrait of himself online with the caption “Acting President of Venezuela.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Trump... is now openly flouting the law to keep them hidden." (Heather Cox Richardson, 01:20)
• "Our investigation also developed powerful evidence that showed that President Trump willfully retained highly classified documents... then repeatedly tried to obstruct justice." (03:52)
• “He wanted control of Venezuela’s oil.” (04:25)
• “You are essentially talking about the United States going to war with NATO...with Europe.” (Senator Chris Murphy, 07:55)
• “We’re not going to look at what people lost in the past because that was their fault...a different president. You’re going to make a lot of money, but we’re not going to go back.” (Donald Trump via Richardson, 09:42)
• "The Fed will continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions… not political pressure." (Jerome Powell, 11:59)

Important Timestamps

• 00:21 – Introduction to Epstein Files crisis and its legal context
• 02:50 – Jack Smith testimony revelations
• 04:08 – U.S. abduction of Venezuelan leaders
• 05:05 – Trump’s revisionist Jan 6 narrative and Minneapolis crackdown
• 06:18 – Congressional action on Epstein files; ACA credits
• 07:30 – Threats to Greenland and international alarm
• 09:01 – Trump’s oil promises to energy executives
• 09:56 – New national emergency executive order regarding Venezuelan oil revenue
• 10:55 – Assault on Fed Chair Powell and independent monetary policy
• 12:19 – Bipartisan and legal expert pushback; online post as “Acting President of Venezuela”

Tone & Style

Richardson maintains her signature measured, analytical tone, weaving together disparate threads of news and historical perspective to highlight the stakes for American democracy and international order. She foregrounds institutional norms and legal processes while underscoring the rapid, unprecedented erosion of those very safeguards.

For listeners seeking to understand not just what happened but why it matters, this episode offers a clear, chronological account of a historic—and deeply perilous—week in American governance.