Pod Force One: Battling the Deep State from Richard Nixon to Donald Trump

Hosted by Miranda Devine | Released on July 2, 2025

In this compelling episode of Pod Force One, award-winning New York Post columnist Miranda Devine sits down with Ambassador Monica Crowley, an influential figure in Washington and a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. The conversation delves deep into the influence of past presidents, particularly Richard Nixon, and explores the parallels and connections between Nixon’s legacy and Trump’s administration. Below is a detailed summary of their insightful discussion.

Introduction and Monica Crowley's Role at Blair House

The episode begins with Miranda Devine welcoming Monica Crowley to Blair House, the President's Guest House in Washington, D.C. Crowley, an author, former TV personality, and academic, recently assumed the prestigious role of Ambassador and Chief of Protocol.

Monica Crowley (00:48):
"It is a delight to come to work here every day. It was built in 1824, and it is the President's Guest House... Harry Truman ran his presidency from here for four years while the White House was being renovated."

Crowley elaborates on the historical significance of Blair House and outlines her responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of facilitating effective diplomacy for the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State.

Managing Diplomatic Engagements

Crowley discusses the intricacies of her role, highlighting the coordination involved in hosting foreign dignitaries. She recounts her first meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merkour, noting the seamless hospitality provided by Blair House.

Monica Crowley (03:20):
"The Chief of Protocol and my incredible team... create the optimal environment for the most robust, effective diplomacy for America."

She explains the protocol process, from greeting world leaders at Joint Base Andrews to escorting them during their meetings with the President in the Oval Office.

Upcoming Major Events: America’s 250th Anniversary, FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Olympics

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Monica Crowley's upcoming responsibilities in managing major U.S.-hosted events. She outlines plans for America's 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Monica Crowley (06:04):
"America 250 is the first that is upon us now. We are going to have a year-long celebration of America... a massive celebration."

Crowley details specific events, such as the "Sail Fourth" tall ship parade in New York, echoing the historical tall ship parades of 1976, and a mock debate in Independence Hall, Philadelphia.

Historical Parallels: Richard Nixon and Donald Trump

The dialogue shifts to Crowley's personal history with former President Richard Nixon and her long-standing relationship with Donald Trump. She shares a poignant story of how Nixon’s memoirs inspired her career and led to her working closely with him during his final years.

Monica Crowley (13:30):
"I wrote him a letter, and about a month later, I received a handwritten response from Richard Nixon. It changed the trajectory of my entire life."

Crowley highlights Nixon's strategic foreign policy moves, particularly opening relations with China, and draws parallels to Trump’s approach in using diplomacy as a counterweight against global adversaries like China.

Monica Crowley (23:00):
"President Trump is doing almost what Nixon did but in reverse, trying to improve relations with Moscow to counterbalance China."

She emphasizes the similarities between Nixon and Trump in their "America First" policies and their visionary approaches to leadership, which have often put them at odds with the so-called "Deep State."

Facing and Overcoming Opposition

Crowley candidly discusses the challenges she faced as an early supporter of Trump, including being targeted by cancellation culture and smear campaigns. She reveals how these attacks were part of a broader attempt to undermine Trump’s presidency.

Monica Crowley (37:44):
"I wear it as a badge of honor because... there were some enemies that he created along the way that didn't necessarily want to see him succeed."

Despite the opposition, Crowley's unwavering loyalty and resilience helped her navigate through the turbulent political landscape, ultimately leading to her appointment in the Treasury Department.

Personal Journey and Faith

Towards the end of the episode, Crowley shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing, highlighting the strong influence of her single mother and her deep-rooted Catholic faith, which has been a cornerstone of her resilience.

Monica Crowley (44:24):
"My faith in God and Jesus as my personal savior has got me through a lot of tough times in my life."

She reflects on how her early experiences and faith have shaped her into a steadfast advocate for America’s interests on the global stage.

Conclusion: A Full Circle Moment

The episode concludes with Crowley and Devine reflecting on the full-circle moment of her career, bridging the legacies of Nixon and Trump. Crowley envisions a future where Nixon's contributions are fully vindicated and celebrated alongside Trump’s ongoing efforts to prioritize America’s standing in the world.

Monica Crowley (47:20):
"A full circle moment for President Trump for me too."

Miranda Devine wraps up the interview by expressing gratitude for Crowley's insightful perspectives and her pivotal role in shaping American diplomacy.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Significance of Blair House: Monica Crowley provides a rich history of Blair House, emphasizing its role in past presidencies and its importance in modern diplomatic engagements.

• Major Events Management: Crowley outlines her strategic plans for significant U.S. events, showcasing her expertise in event management and protocol.

• Nixon-Trump Parallels: The discussion highlights the similarities between Nixon and Trump's foreign policy strategies, particularly their "America First" approach and handling of global adversaries.

• Resilience Against Opposition: Crowley shares her personal battles with smear campaigns and cancellation culture, underscoring her commitment and loyalty to Trump’s administration.

• Personal Narratives: Insights into Crowley's upbringing, her strong faith, and how these elements have powered her through her professional challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Monica Crowley (13:30):
  "I wrote him a letter, and about a month later, I received a handwritten response from Richard Nixon. It changed the trajectory of my entire life."

• Monica Crowley (06:04):
  "America 250 is the first that is upon us now. We are going to have a year-long celebration of America... a massive celebration."

• Monica Crowley (23:00):
  "President Trump is doing almost what Nixon did but in reverse, trying to improve relations with Moscow to counterbalance China."

• Monica Crowley (37:44):
  "I wear it as a badge of honor because... there were some enemies that he created along the way that didn't necessarily want to see him succeed."

• Monica Crowley (44:24):
  "My faith in God and Jesus as my personal savior has got me through a lot of tough times in my life."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Pod Force One offers a rare glimpse into the strategic minds shaping American diplomacy today. Monica Crowley's unique perspective, rooted in historical insights and personal resilience, provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the ongoing battle against entrenched political forces and the enduring legacy of "America First" leadership.

For those interested in the intricate workings of Washington's power structures and the personalities driving America’s future, this episode is a must-listen.