Letters from an American — January 20, 2026

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode Date: January 22, 2026

Overview

Heather Cox Richardson’s episode explores tumultuous developments in global politics during the World Economic Forum at Davos, with a sharp focus on former President Donald Trump’s social media outbursts, administration actions, impacts on international relations, and responses from world leaders. The episode provides historical context to current events and reflects on the fragility of the international order.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World Economic Forum & Trump’s Absence ([00:00])

• World leaders gather at Davos, January 19-23, while Trump remains in the U.S., becoming hyperactive on social media.
• Trump's account posts about:
  • Alleged productive call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
  • Asserts, “Greenland is imperative for national and world security. There can be no going back on that.” ([01:10])
  • Wild AI-generated images showing U.S. controlling North America (including Canada, Greenland, Venezuela).

2. Escalating Rhetoric & Personal Attacks ([02:00])

• Trump's posts mock diplomatic efforts, going so far as to leak private messages from Rutte and President Macron.
• Amplifies conspiratorial language:
  • “At what point are we going to realize the enemy is within... the real threat is the UN, NATO and Islam.”
• Claims personal credit for NATO's survival:
  • “No single person or president has done more for NATO than President Donald J. Trump...”
• Shares image of himself “establishing” Greenland as a U.S. territory with VP J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

3. Domestic Politics: Popularity and Scapegoating ([03:00])

• The administration attacks Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook (alleging mortgage fraud).
• Attempts to claim Trump is “lowering mortgage rates” and supporting American autoworkers—mismatched with the actual footage shown.

4. Targeting Political Opponents and Immigrants ([04:30])

• Ramps up attacks on:
  • Democratic MN Governor Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling them “corrupt.”
  • CA Governor Gavin Newsom.
• Labels those resisting ICE actions as “agitators and insurrectionists,” suggesting:
  • “These people are professionals...troublemakers who should be thrown in jail or thrown out of the country. The first to go, he said, should be...Tim Walz and...Ilhan Omar, both of whom he called corrupt.” ([05:20])

5. Inflammatory Rhetoric on Immigration ([06:10])

• Urges DHS and ICE to publicize faces and names of “violent criminals” to win support:
  • “There are thousands of vicious animals in Minnesota alone...Show the numbers, names and faces of the violent criminals and show them now...”
• Repeats debunked election conspiracies (e.g., Dominion voting machines, Chinese interference).

6. Trump’s Speech and ICE Abuses ([08:20])

• Trump’s rambling speech, intended to tout administration accomplishments, devolves:
  • Downplays widely publicized ICE abuse against a U.S. citizen (Chong Li Scott Thao).
  • Denies “arresting and detaining American citizens,” despite public evidence.
  • Holds up photos labeled “worst of worst,” mumbling about “many murderers.”
• Commentary from Aaron Rupar:
  • “Folks, this is some really weird sh—. The president is not well.” ([09:40])

7. Nostalgia, Boasting, and Deflection ([10:15])

• Trump complains about not receiving a Nobel Prize, touts “saving millions” and mockingly credits Norway with international influence.
• Offers familiar gripes, boasts, and conspiracy-laden attacks (e.g., “Jack Deranged Jack Sick Smith. He’s a sick son of a b…”).

8. Global Economic Fallout ([11:30])

• Trump’s threats regarding Greenland and tariffs on Europe spark a steep market drop:
  • Dow: –870 points (–1.76%)
  • S&P 500: –2.06%
  • Nasdaq: –2.39% (worst day since October)
• WSJ reporting contradicts Trump’s tariff claims, noting U.S. consumers importers pay 96% of costs.

9. European Response & Shifting World Order ([12:20])

• EU considers using retaliatory measures—“the bazooka”—against U.S. economic coercion.
• Robert Kagan’s warning in The Atlantic: Americans are not prepared for the unraveling liberal world order.
• Canadian PM Mark Carney at Davos:
  • “We are in the midst of a rupture. The rules-based international order is no longer an automatic route to prosperity and security.”

10. Vision for the Future: ‘Variable Geometry’ ([13:00])

• Carney proposes “variable geometry”:
  • “Middle powers must work together to be at the table to avoid being on the menu.”
  • Advocates for flexible international coalitions based on shared interests.
  • “Nostalgia is not a strategy, but we believe that from the fracture we can build something bigger, better, stronger, more just...This is the task of the middle powers…”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump’s Greenland ultimatum:

  “Greenland is imperative for national and world security. There can be no going back on that. Everyone agrees.” (01:10)

• Inflamed rhetoric:

  “At what point are we going to realize the enemy is within...the real threat is the UN, NATO and Islam.” (02:50)

• Aaron Rupar’s commentary:

  “Folks, this is some really weird sh—. The president is not well.” (09:40)

• Carney’s view on the shifting order:

  “We are in the midst of a rupture. The rules-based international order is no longer an automatic route to prosperity and security.” (12:55)
  “Middle powers must work together to be at the table to avoid being on the menu.” (13:10)
  “Nostalgia is not a strategy, but we believe that from the fracture we can build something bigger, better, stronger, more just...” (13:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] — Davos Forum & Trump’s online presence
• [02:00] — Mocking diplomacy, Greenland posts, threats
• [03:00] — Attacks on mortgage rates, Lisa Cook
• [04:30] — Political attacks, targeting MN and CA Democrats
• [06:10] — Violent rhetoric about immigration, ICE
• [08:20] — Trump’s “accomplishments” speech and ICE denial
• [09:40] — Aaron Rupar’s editorial comment
• [10:15] — Rants about Nobel Prize, Norway, Jack Smith
• [11:30] — Market fallout, tariff coverage
• [12:20] — EU retaliation discourse, Kagan’s warning
• [13:00] — Mark Carney on “variable geometry” and the future of international relations

Tone and Commentary

Richardson presents the episode with a mix of clinical reporting, wry observation, and somber warning. She juxtaposes the dramatic, often surreal posturing and rhetoric from Trump with sobering global reactions and thoughtful alternatives offered by leaders like Mark Carney, highlighting the seriousness of the current historical moment.

Summary

This episode unpacks the current volatility in American leadership and global order, rooted in Trump’s divisive messaging during Davos. It traces how international institutions and middle powers are responding, warning that the old liberal order is fragmenting and that new flexible partnerships may define the future. The episode calls for clear-eyed realism over nostalgia as nations navigate a fractured world.