Podcast Summary: Letters from an American – January 17, 2026

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode Date: January 18, 2026
Theme: Exploring the historical context and current implications of recent political crises involving the Trump administration, U.S. foreign relations (particularly regarding Greenland and the EU), domestic unrest, judicial actions, and the shifting international landscape.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Heather Cox Richardson analyzes President Donald J. Trump’s latest controversial demand for purchasing Greenland, the international and domestic fallout from his trade threats, moves to counter international institutions, new developments in U.S.-Canada-China relations, the use of political investigations, and a significant gubernatorial inauguration in Virginia. Richardson connects current events to broader historical and constitutional issues, highlighting concerns over democracy, global alliances, and the U.S.'s role in the world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Greenland Gambit and New Tariffs

[00:18 - 03:45]

• President Trump’s demand for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” triggers global disbelief and pushback.
• Announcement of new U.S. tariffs:
  • “Placing tariffs of 10% on all goods from the countries currently protecting Greenland after February 1st and that the tariffs will increase to 25% on June 1st.”
• Allies targeted: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK.
• Notable Analysis:
  • “This post is bonkers on many levels. On the most basic where is he thinking he's going to find the money for the complete and total purchase of Greenland?” (Heather Cox Richardson, 01:01)
• Constitutionality Questioned:
  • Ongoing Supreme Court case on presidential power over tariffs; lower courts have ruled against Trump’s sweeping use of tariff powers.
  • Tariffs framed as economic coercion, not justified by an “economic emergency.”

2. International Backlash and Solidarity

[03:50 - 06:05]

• Massive demonstrations in Copenhagen and Nuuk signal solidarity with Greenland and Denmark.
• EU leadership responds:
  • Quote:
    • “President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen... underlining that territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.” (04:28)
    • “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral... Europe will remain united, coordinated and committed to upholding its sovereignty.” (04:55)
  • EU hints at strong countermeasures, including the Anti Coercion Instrument (retaliatory trade tools).
• EU lawmakers threaten to scuttle a new US-EU trade deal; possibility of an EU “trade bazooka” response.

3. Trump’s “Board of Peace” – Attempt to Rival the UN

[06:10 - 07:41]

• Trump administration invites world leaders to join a new “Board of Peace” led by the U.S., intending to address global crises starting with Gaza.
• Bloomberg reveals draft charter:
  • Trump as first chair, with authority to choose successors, admit members, and approve all decisions.
  • Voting rights for members, but all decisions subject to chair’s approval.
  • “The draft suggests that Trump himself will control that money.” (07:10)
• Membership extensions possible for countries contributing over $1B.

4. Domestic Judicial Action on Protest Rights

[07:45 - 08:47]

• Judge Kathryn Menendez halts federal agent retaliation and excessive force against peaceful protesters in Minnesota.
• Judge cites lack of credible evidence from government vs. detailed testimony from plaintiffs.
• Immigration officers failed to provide direct accounts; case highlighted as a check on executive overreach.

5. Politicized Justice and Investigations

[08:50 - 09:50]

• DOJ investigates Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly impeding law enforcement.
• Richardson draws direct line to Trump-style tactics of manufactured investigations to tarnish opponents.
  • “Trump's reliance on bogus investigations to establish a narrative is well established.” (09:30)
  • References the 2019 Ukraine scandal and broader Republican Party tactics since the 1990s.

6. Shifting Global Alliances: Canada and China

[09:53 - 10:40]

• Amid Trump’s alienation of traditional allies, Canada forges deeper ties with China—first such visit since 2017.
• Notable Quote:
  • “We're changing that with a new strategic partnership that benefits the people of both our nations.” – Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, via social media (10:36)
• Canada strikes its own trade deal with China, directly contrasting with U.S. strategies.

7. Domestic Sentiment and Polling

[10:45 - 11:26]

• Recent CNN poll:
  • 58% view Trump’s first year in office as a failure.
  • Top concerns: economy, democracy.
  • 66% say Trump “doesn’t care about people like them.”
  • Concerns about his stamina and sharpness for office, and his standing as president.

8. Historic Virginia Gubernatorial Inauguration

[11:30 - 12:00]

• Abigail Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor.
• Inaugural address themes: unity, progress, writing a better chapter in America’s experiment.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “What will you do to help us author this next chapter?” – Governor Spanberger (11:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This post is bonkers on many levels.”
  Heather Cox Richardson, 01:01

• “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral... Europe will remain united, coordinated and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”
  EU joint statement, 04:55

• “China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among allies.”
  EU High Representative Kaikalis, 05:30

• “Trump's reliance on bogus investigations to establish a narrative is well established.”
  Heather Cox Richardson, 09:30

• “We're changing that with a new strategic partnership that benefits the people of both our nations.”
  Mark Carney, 10:36

• “What will you do to help us author this next chapter?”
  Gov. Abigail Spanberger, 11:56

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:18-03:45 – Trump’s Greenland demand, tariff threats
• 03:50-06:05 – EU backlash, solidarity rallies, trade “bazooka”
• 06:10-07:41 – Trump’s bid for a new international organization
• 07:45-08:47 – Court order protecting Minnesota protestors
• 08:50-09:50 – DOJ investigations as political tools, lessons from the Ukraine affair
• 09:53-10:40 – Canada’s trade pivot to China
• 10:45-11:26 – Domestic polling and Trump’s public standing
• 11:30-12:00 – Spanberger’s Virginia inauguration

Tone and Style

Richardson’s narration is incisive, historically grounded, and critical, employing a blend of factual reporting, contextual analysis, and pointed commentary. Her tone remains accessible and urgent, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersection of history and current events, and offering a clear-eyed view of challenges to democratic norms and institutions.

For more analysis, visit: heathercoxrichardson.substack.com