Podcast Summary: Letters from an American with Heather Cox Richardson

Episode Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Heather Cox Richardson

Overview

In this episode, Heather Cox Richardson provides historical context and critical analysis of current political turbulence in the United States. She focuses on the fallout from alleged war crimes involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the rapid erosion of President Trump's political support, fractures in the MAGA coalition, and mounting bipartisan dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's actions both domestically and internationally.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Alleged War Crimes and Congressional Response

[00:00–02:30]

• Following reports by the Washington Post that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered special operations forces to kill survivors of a September strike off Venezuela, Congressional Armed Services Committees are launching thorough investigations.

• The Department of Defense is still being referred to by its traditional name by Congress, resisting the rebranding efforts by Hegseth and Trump to call it the Department of War.

• Former JAGs (Judge Advocate Generals) have publicly condemned both the order and its execution, calling them “war crimes, murder or both,” and demanding prosecution for anyone involved.

  • Notable Quote:
    “We are confident they [military legal guardrails] would have prevented these crimes.” — Former JAGs Working Group [01:45]

• The JAGs' statement highlights a systematic dismantling of military legal oversight under Hegseth, emphasizing the role such guardrails play in preventing unlawful orders.

2. Political Fallout and Trump’s Waning Power

[02:30–04:00]

• Congress appears increasingly willing to challenge Trump, indicating a recalibration of power. Commentary from Josh Marshall (Talking Points Memo) notes this as “genuinely big news.”

• Trump’s approval ratings plummet according to recent Gallup data:

  • Overall approval at 36%, disapproval at 60%.

  • Since last month, approval down 11 points overall; among Republicans, it’s down 7 points; among independents, down 8 points to term lows.

  • Only 3% of Democrats approve of Trump.

    • Notable Quote (attributed to Marshall):
      “Republicans are challenging Trump now because he seems weak. No one wants to back a weak horse.” [03:10]

• The usual “rally ‘round the flag” effect in wartime is absent—polls show 70% of Americans oppose military action against Venezuela.

3. Splintering of MAGA and GOP

[04:00–06:00]

• New polling from Politico shows only 55% of 2024 Trump voters consider themselves “MAGA”; the rest (38%) are less supportive.
• Revelations that many high-engagement MAGA accounts on X (formerly Twitter) are operated from abroad, motivated by paid engagement, further complicate the picture of MAGA unity.

4. High-Profile Republican Resignations and Frustration

[06:00–07:00]

• Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will not run for reelection, citing both Trump and GOP establishment hostility.

• Her public letter claims:

  • “I refuse to be a battered wife, hoping it all goes away and gets better.” [06:25]

• An anonymous senior House Republican told Jake Sherman (Punchbowl News) the White House’s arrogance has alienated nearly all congressional Republicans, forecasting a GOP collapse in the House.

  • Notable Quote:
    “Morale has never been lower. Mike Johnson will be stripped of his gavel and they will lose the majority before this term is out.” [06:48]

• Rep. Troy Nehls (TX), a pro-Trump figure, also announced he won’t seek reelection, despite having cosponsored attempts to put Trump’s face on the $100 bill and rename Dulles Airport after him.

5. Bipartisan Dissent on Policy

[07:00–07:20]

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) joins California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) to oppose Trump’s new offshore drilling plans.

6. Business Community Senses Change

[07:20–07:50]

• Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, tells CNN's Erin Burnett that the company is avoiding Trump’s “ballroom” proposal due to risks with future administrations and potential legal jeopardy.

  • Notable Quote:
    “We have to be very careful how anything is perceived and also how the next Department of Justice is going to deal with it.” — Jamie Dimon [07:38]

7. Voting Rights and Political Integrity Battles

[07:50–09:15]

• In Indiana, the Trump administration is pressuring for aggressive redistricting to secure more GOP House seats.

• Republican state Senator Greg Walker resists, citing principle:

  • Notable Quote:
    “I was taught as a child the difference between right and wrong…this is just wrong on so many levels.” — Greg Walker [08:05]

• Walker rebuffed a White House invitation, citing Hatch Act concerns and questioning Trump’s priorities:

  • Notable Quote:
    “Doesn't he have anything better to do? I can make a big list of things that are more important for him to focus on. Mid-decade redistricting was the president trying to save his own skin by holding a majority in Congress, Walker said. It's so that he's not impeached again. That's all this is about.” [08:32]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “War crimes, murder or both.” — Former JAGs Working Group Statement [01:45]
• “Republicans are challenging Trump now because he seems weak. No one wants to back a weak horse.” — Josh Marshall [03:10]
• “I refuse to be a battered wife, hoping it all goes away and gets better.” — Marjorie Taylor Greene [06:25]
• “Morale has never been lower. Mike Johnson will be stripped of his gavel and they will lose the majority before this term is out.” — Anonymous senior House Republican [06:48]
• “We have to be very careful how anything is perceived and also how the next Department of Justice is going to deal with it.” — Jamie Dimon [07:38]
• “I was taught as a child the difference between right and wrong…this is just wrong on so many levels.” — Greg Walker [08:05]
• “Doesn't he have anything better to do?...It's so that he's not impeached again. That's all this is about.” — Greg Walker [08:32]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–02:30: War crimes allegations, Congressional oversight, JAGs' condemnation
• 02:30–04:00: Polling on Trump approval, political ramifications
• 04:00–06:00: MAGA coalition fractures, foreign-operated social media
• 06:00–07:00: Republican resignations, House GOP disarray
• 07:00–07:20: Bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling
• 07:20–07:50: JPMorgan Chase’s cautious stance, business response
• 07:50–09:15: Indiana redistricting fight, Senator Walker’s stand

Conclusion

Richardson frames the episode as a moment of extraordinary institutional stress and political realignment in Washington. With mainstream, MAGA, and business communities reassessing their ties to Trump amid scandal and policy overreach, the episode suggests the administration is rapidly losing cohesion and legitimacy. Congressional resistance, public disapproval, and principled dissent—even from inside the Republican Party—signal that a significant shift in American politics may be underway.