Letters from an American – October 21, 2022

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Theme: The episode chronicles the 21st day of a government shutdown in 2025, under President Donald J. Trump. Heather Cox Richardson narrates a series of significant political events, highlighting the historical and political context behind current crises, focusing on the impacts of the prolonged shutdown, political maneuvering in Congress, US foreign policy decisions, and threats to American democracy.

Overview

In this episode, Heather Cox Richardson explores the escalating governmental and societal consequences of an extended government shutdown, the political strategies employed by Republican leadership, international economic maneuvers involving Argentina and Colombia, and notable ethical breaches by former President Trump. The episode emphasizes the growing threats to democratic norms and institutions in the United States.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing Government Shutdown (00:00–03:00)

• Shutdown Enters Day 21: President Trump hosts all but one Republican senator at the rebranded "Rose Garden Club" to discuss progress.
• Rand Paul’s Absence: Only Senator Rand Paul abstains due to objections over increasing national debt, even voting against the Republican funding bill.
• Trump’s Boasts: Trump claims the shutdown allows for cuts to “Democratic priorities,” though he misrepresents his executive powers over congressional appropriations.
• Public Impact: Attempts to defund programs and projects will harm Republican voters as well.

2. Critical Effects on Social Programs (02:20–03:30)

• SNAP Benefits at Risk: Multiple states (Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York) announce incapability to fund SNAP beyond November 1 if shutdown continues.
• Previous Cuts: The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" previously slashed $186 billion from SNAP over 10 years, exacerbating the crisis for the 42 million Americans reliant on the program.

3. Congressional Deadlock and Political Tactics (03:30–07:30)

• Speaker Mike Johnson’s Moves:

  • Refuses to call House into session, preventing legislative progress and fracturing party divisions from going public.
  • Cites House closure to delay swearing in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, denying Arizona voters representation.
  • Arizona AG Kristen Mays intervenes, arguing in court to allow alternative swearing-in procedures.

  “This case is about whether someone duly elected to the House...may be denied her rightful office simply because the speaker has decided to keep the House out of regular session.”
  — Arizona Attorney General Kristen Mays (04:55)

• Lawsuit Rebuttals:

  • Lawsuit counters Johnson's justification by noting historical precedent of flexible swearing-ins.
  • Johnson dismisses the lawsuit as "absurd" and a "publicity stunt."

4. US Foreign Economic and Political Policy (07:30–09:30)

• Argentine Bailout and Motives:

  • The US signs a major economic stabilization agreement with Argentina (ally of Trump-aligned President Milei), swapping $20B in currency and seeking private investment.
  • Critics (Paul Krugman) argue Argentina’s significance is political, not economic, with deep ties to administration insiders’ financial investments:

    “Argentina’s systematic importance to the administration is...that the administration wants a Trump-like politician to succeed and...that some of Besant’s hedge fund billionaire associates invested heavily in Argentine bonds...”
    — Summary of Paul Krugman’s analysis (08:45)

• Contrasting Approach to Colombia:

  • Trump announces raised tariffs and funding cuts to Colombia, labeling their leftist President Petro as an “illegal drug leader” and threatening tough US intervention.

  • A recent US military strike in Colombia sparks outrage; President Petro accuses America of violating sovereignty and killing a fisherman.

    “The United States has invaded our national territory, fired a missile to kill a humble fisherman...and destroyed his family, his children.”
    — Colombian President Gustavo Petro (09:15)

5. Domestic Spending Controversies (09:30–10:00)

• Private Jet Purchases:
  • Despite the shutdown, the administration approves $172 million to buy two private jets for Homeland Security officials, far exceeding original requests.

6. Trump’s Bid for Government Compensation (10:00–10:20)

• Demand for DOJ Payout:
  • Trump seeks $230 million in compensation for DOJ investigations and searches related to the Russia probe and Mar-a-Lago classified documents.
  • The irony is highlighted as Trump, now president, would approve a payout to himself:

    “Did you ever have one of those cases where you have to decide how much you’re paying yourself in damages?...Any money that I would get, I would give to charity.”
    — Donald Trump, interview with Kaitlan Collins (10:10)

7. Senate Protests and Defense of Democracy (10:20–10:29)

• Senator Merkley’s Filibuster:
  • Senator Jeff Merkley holds the Senate floor through the night, protesting Trump’s administration as a “grave threat to democracy,” emphatically declaring:

    “We cannot pretend this is normal.”
    — Sen. Jeff Merkley (10:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On denying Representative Grijalva her seat:

  “This case is about whether someone duly elected to the House...may be denied her rightful office simply because the speaker has decided to keep the House out of regular session.”
  — Arizona AG Kristen Mays (04:55)

• On the real stakes of Argentina aid:

  “That importance is not economic...the administration wants a Trump-like politician to succeed and ...some of Besant’s hedge fund billionaire associates invested heavily in Argentine bonds.”
  — Summarizing Paul Krugman (08:45)

• President Trump's response on requesting DOJ damages:

  "Did you ever have one of those cases where you have to decide how much you’re paying yourself in damages?...Any money that I would get, I would give to charity."
  — Donald Trump (10:10)

• On threats to democracy:

  “We cannot pretend this is normal.”
  — Senator Jeff Merkley (10:27)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:00: Details about the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP program crisis
• 03:30–07:30: Congressional standoff, Grijalva’s case, and lawsuit
• 07:30–09:30: US-Argentina economic agreements, Colombia policy, international tensions
• 09:30–10:00: DHS jet purchases amid shutdown
• 10:00–10:20: Trump’s demand for DOJ compensation
• 10:20–10:29: Senator Merkley’s all-night protest against the administration

Conclusion

This episode offers a sweeping, context-rich account of the US political landscape amid institutional crisis. Heather Cox Richardson weaves together domestic policy failures, international intrigue, and the erosion of democratic norms, providing historical context to the ongoing governmental dysfunction and escalating threats to American democracy.