Podcast Summary: Letters from an American
Episode: July 27, 2025
Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Introduction
In the July 27, 2025 episode of Letters from an American, host and author Heather Cox Richardson delves into the historical and contemporary implications of national symbols and ideologies. Focusing on a recent post by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Richardson examines how historical narratives like Manifest Destiny are being repurposed to support modern political agendas.
The "American Progress" Painting and DHS's Post
Richardson begins by analyzing a post made by the DHS on July 23, 2025, which featured John Gast's 1872 oil painting, "American Progress". The painting historically symbolizes the concept of Manifest Destiny, depicting the American East in light and prosperity, while the West is portrayed in darkness, highlighting the relentless westward expansion of white settlers.
"From the time Gast painted it, American Progress has been interpreted as a representation of the concept of manifest destiny..." [00:07]
The DHS accompanied the image with the caption, "a heritage to be proud of, a homeland worth defending," which many interpreted as the Trump administration's endorsement of Manifest Destiny ideology.
Manifest Destiny: Historical Context and Modern Misuse
Richardson provides a historical backdrop of Manifest Destiny, a mid-19th century belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its democracy across the North American continent. Originating from John O'Sullivan's writings in the July 1845 issue of Democratic Review, Manifest Destiny was initially used to justify the annexation of Texas and the seizure of Mexican territory under President James K. Polk.
"O'Sullivan's concept of Manifest Destiny was different from the constant expansionism of Euro Americans at the time..." [00:07]
She highlights that, while Manifest Destiny fostered US Nationalism and justified expansionism, it also inherently supported racism and the displacement of indigenous populations. Importantly, Richardson notes that the original Manifest Destiny included the belief that newly acquired territories would integrate into the Union as equal states, promoting the idea of eventual equality for all American residents.
Transition to "Blood and Soil" Ideology
Richardson contrasts the historical Manifest Destiny with the modern blood and soil ideology, which she argues the Trump administration is inadvertently embracing through its use of traditional American symbols. This ideology, popularized in 1930s Germany, emphasizes the connection between a people’s racial identity and their land.
"Rather than advancing the concept of Manifest Destiny... the Trump administration's reposting of American Progress harnesses traditional symbols to advance the idea of blood and soil citizenship..." [00:07]
She draws parallels between historical expansionist rhetoric and contemporary nationalist movements, noting that while the terminology may have evolved, the underlying exclusionary and racist sentiments persist.
Vice President J.D. Vance's Redefinition of American Citizenship
A significant portion of the episode focuses on remarks made by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Claremont Institute on July 5, 2025. Vance criticized the traditional definition of American citizenship based on the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence, arguing that it is too inclusive and fails to prioritize those with ancestral ties to America's foundational conflicts.
"I think the people whose ancestors fought in the Civil War have a hell of a lot more claim over America than the people who say they don't belong." [Timestamp Unknown]
Vance called for a redefinition of American citizenship that emphasizes unique relationships and shared obligations among citizens, implicitly supporting stricter immigration policies to preserve what he describes as America's distinctive identity.
"You cannot swap 10 million people from anywhere else in the world and expect for America to remain unchanged." [Timestamp Unknown]
Richardson interprets Vance's stance as a modern embodiment of blood and soil ideology, where citizenship is tightly coupled with maintaining racial and cultural homogeneity.
Use of American Iconography to Promote Exclusionary Ideals
Richardson discusses another DHS post from July 14, 2025, which featured Morgan Weisling's painting "A Prayer for a New Life" without the artist's permission. The image depicted a white family in a covered wagon, and the DHS retitled it "Remember your homeland's new life in a new land" with capitalized "H's," subtly alluding to "Heil Hitler."
"The two H's are capitalized, evoking 'hh' accepted in right-wing circles as a way to write Heil Hitler." [00:07]
Weisling publicly objected to the unauthorized use of his artwork, highlighting the problematic nature of government agencies appropriating symbols that can be interpreted as endorsing exclusionary and racially charged ideologies.
Conclusion
Heather Cox Richardson's July 27, 2025 episode of Letters from an American provides a critical examination of how historical narratives and national symbols are being manipulated to support contemporary nationalist and exclusionary agendas. By drawing parallels between Manifest Destiny and modern blood and soil ideologies, Richardson underscores the enduring impact of these beliefs on American politics and society.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "From the time Gast painted it, American Progress has been interpreted as a representation of the concept of manifest destiny..." [00:07]
- "I think the people whose ancestors fought in the Civil War have a hell of a lot more claim over America than the people who say they don't belong." [Timestamp Unknown]
- "You cannot swap 10 million people from anywhere else in the world and expect for America to remain unchanged." [Timestamp Unknown]
- "The two H's are capitalized, evoking 'hh' accepted in right-wing circles as a way to write Heil Hitler." [00:07]
Production Credits:
- Written and Read by: Heather Cox Richardson
- Produced at: Soundscape Productions, Dedham, MA
- Music Composed by: Michael Moss