Podcast Summary: "Withdrawing from International Organizations"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Tangle
• Host/Author: Isaac Saul
• Episode: Withdrawing from International Organizations
• Release Date: January 28, 2025
• Description: Independent, non-partisan politics news featuring diverse perspectives across the political spectrum, in-depth discussions on current events, and interviews with key figures in the political arena.

Introduction and Corrections

Timestamp: 00:00 - 02:55

Isaac Saul opens the episode with a brief advertisement for Warby Parker, followed by Will K. Back introducing the podcast's theme and today's primary topic: President Donald Trump's executive orders to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement. Will also addresses a correction regarding Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness, emphasizing Tangle's commitment to transparency by highlighting their 127th correction in 286 weeks.

Quick Hits

Timestamp: 02:55 - 04:25

John Law presents the latest news updates:

1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made 3,552 arrests since Thursday, including 1,179 on Monday.
2. The Senate confirmed Scott Besant as Treasury Secretary with a 68-29 vote, including 16 Democrats.
3. Acting Attorney General James McHenry fired over a dozen lawyers involved in Special Counsel Jack Smith's prosecution of President Trump. Additionally, a Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney in D.C. has initiated an internal review of the Justice Department's prosecution of January 6th defendants.
4. President Trump signed executive orders banning transgender service members from the U.S. Armed Forces, ending military diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and reinstating pay for service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations.
5. A Rwandan-backed rebel group captured Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to significant displacement as fighting continues.

Main Topic: U.S. Withdrawal from WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement

Timestamp: 04:25 - 19:03

Overview of Withdrawals

Will K. Back delves into President Trump's executive orders to withdraw from the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement. He outlines the reasons behind these decisions, the potential consequences, and their impact on the United States' global standing.

• Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement:

  • Timestamp: 04:34 - 05:14
  • Description: The U.S. formally exits the Paris Agreement, initially joined under Obama in 2016, with President Biden having rejoined in 2021. Only Iran, Libya, and Yemen remain outside the pact.
  • Notable Quote: "Embracing the global clean energy boom will mean massive profits, millions of manufacturing jobs and clean air. Ignoring it only sends all that vast wealth to competitor economies, while climate disasters like droughts, wildfires and superstorms keep getting worse." — United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary (05:14)

• Withdrawal from the World Health Organization:

  • Timestamp: 05:21 - 05:54
  • Description: President Trump cites the WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and unfair financial expectations as reasons for withdrawal. The WHO urges the U.S. to reconsider.
  • Notable Quote: "World health ripped us off. Everybody rips off the United States. It's not going to happen anymore." — President Donald Trump (05:35)

Details and Implications

• WHO Withdrawal Specifics:
  • Timestamp: 05:54 - 09:07
  • Description: The U.S. is the WHO's largest donor, contributing approximately 18% of its $6.8 billion two-year budget. While membership in the Paris Accords doesn't require direct funding, Trump argues it hinders U.S. economic competitiveness, especially against China.

Perspectives from the Right and Left

Right-Leaning Perspectives

Timestamp: 09:49 - 19:03

John Law summarizes the conservative viewpoints supporting Trump's decisions:

1. Effectiveness of the Paris Agreement:

   • Source: National Review Editors
   • Argument: The Paris Agreement is "one-sided" and ineffective, reallocating resources to unproven renewable technologies instead of nuclear power and resilience measures.
   • Notable Quote: "The agreement is indeed woefully misbegotten." — National Review Editors

2. Critique of the WHO:

   • Source: Washington Examiner's Martin Collop
   • Argument: The WHO failed during the COVID-19 pandemic by echoing Chinese propaganda and mismanaging resources, justifying U.S. withdrawal.
   • Notable Quote: "Terminating funding and withdrawing from the organization sends a clear message that American taxpayers will no longer subsidize an institution that prioritizes political agendas over public health." — Martin Collop

3. Impact on European Policies:

   • Source: Wall Street Journal's Joseph C. Sternberg
   • Argument: Trump's withdrawal signals the U.S.'s indifference to European climate commitments, providing Europe an "off ramp" from unrealistic policies.
   • Notable Quote: "Mr. Trump, for all his inconsistency as an ally, at least now is telling Europe the truth about America." — Joseph C. Sternberg

Left-Leaning Perspectives

Timestamp: 09:49 - 19:03

John Law details the progressive viewpoints opposing the withdrawals:

1. Importance of WHO Membership:

   • Source: Washington Post Editorial Board
   • Argument: Withdrawing from the WHO hinders global health efforts, weakens alliances, and limits the U.S.'s ability to combat infectious diseases effectively.
   • Notable Quote: "America cannot stop pathogens from crossing its borders. It needs international organization to monitor diseases the world over." — Washington Post Editorial Board

2. Criticism of Paris Agreement Withdrawal:

   • Source: Bloomberg's Mark Gangloff
   • Argument: Trump's withdrawal is a "moral disgrace" that isolates the U.S., undermines global climate efforts, and accelerates backlash against climate action worldwide.
   • Notable Quote: "Trump's sabotage adds momentum to the growing political backlash against climate action around the world." — Mark Gangloff

3. Global Safety and Strategic Ambiguity:

   • Source: MSNBC's Hayes Brown
   • Argument: The U.S.'s inconsistent international commitments create strategic ambiguity, weakening global cooperation and making the world less safe.
   • Notable Quote: "Withholding clarity gives other actors the chance to fill in the blanks in ways that may lead to misunderstandings that can be downright dangerous." — Hayes Brown

Will K. Back's Take

Timestamp: 19:03 - 26:38

Will K. Back offers his analysis, expressing disappointment over the abrupt U.S. withdrawal from both the WHO and the Paris Agreement. He acknowledges legitimate criticisms of these organizations but argues that complete withdrawal is detrimental.

• Climate Change Outlook:

  • Argument: The Paris Agreement's ambitious targets are now largely unattainable, yet staying in the agreement would allow the U.S. to influence global climate policy positively.
  • Notable Insight: "Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement won't change our climate change outlook much, but it's a missed opportunity to redirect U.S. climate policy toward a more realistic and effective path."

• Global Health Leadership:

  • Argument: Despite WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. benefits from its involvement in global health initiatives and diplomatic influence.
  • Notable Insight: "The WHO does critical work tracking these new disease outbreaks and identifying emerging pathogens, and the US withdrawal threatens its ability to continue this work."

• Strategic Recommendations:

  • Suggestion: Instead of withdrawing, the U.S. should leverage its position to push for reforms within the WHO and the Paris Agreement, ensuring fairer standards and more effective policies.
  • Notable Insight: "We should be using our leverage in these commitments, not dropping out entirely."

Questions Answered

Timestamp: 27:22 - 29:49

Dan from Minnesota poses a multifaceted question regarding the constitutional powers of the President, specifically concerning executive orders and Supreme Court appointments.

• Executive Orders and Pardons:

  • Response: Pardons are constitutionally defined powers of the President. Executive orders are tools for executing laws and can be challenged if they overstep legal or constitutional boundaries.
  • Advice: Engage in citizen action groups to advocate for reforms and maintain checks on executive power.

• Supreme Court Justices:

  • Response: Justices are appointed by the President with Senate confirmation. While federal justices are not elected, this process ensures a balance between executive and legislative branches.
  • Advice: Support initiatives that promote judicial accountability and transparency.

• Challenging Constitutional Issues:

  • Advice: Volunteer for and support organizations that align with your values, promoting democratic reforms and checks on executive power.

Under the Radar: Religious Charter School Case

Timestamp: 29:49 - 33:01

John Law highlights an upcoming Supreme Court case challenging the legality of a religious charter school in Oklahoma. Saint Isidore, an online Catholic school approved by the Oklahoma Virtual Charter School Board in 2023, is contested by the state Attorney General for violating non-sectarian charter school laws. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in April, testing the boundaries of public funding for religious institutions.

Numbers Section

Timestamp: 33:01 - 33:38

Key statistics related to the episode's topics:

• WHO Funding: U.S. annual contributions range from $163 to $816 million over the past decade. In fiscal year 2024, global health funding constitutes less than 0.1% of the federal budget. The U.S. accounted for 32% of total international health assistance in 2022.
• Paris Agreement Impact: The Climate Action Tracker projects a 4.9°F (2.7°C) rise by 2100 under current policies. Public support in the U.S. stands at 68%, with 45% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats favoring participation.
• Public Opinion on Climate Action: 56% of Americans believe the federal government should do more to combat climate change (June 2023 Pew Research).

Have a Nice Day: Sustainable Fashion

Timestamp: 33:38 - End

A spotlight on Circulose, a Swedish company revolutionizing the fashion industry by recycling textiles into high-quality clothing made entirely from recycled materials. Major brands like Zara and H&M are incorporating Circulose products into their offerings, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.

• Notable Quote: "Circulose has made a huge step towards changing the pattern of fast fashion by creating brand new high-quality clothing made 100% of recycled material."

Conclusion

Isaac Saul concludes the episode with a final advertisement for Warby Parker, reiterating their commitment to providing affordable, high-quality eyewear.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• UN Climate Change Executive Secretary: "Embracing the global clean energy boom will mean massive profits, millions of manufacturing jobs and clean air. Ignoring it only sends all that vast wealth to competitor economies, while climate disasters like droughts, wildfires and superstorms keep getting worse." (05:14)
• President Donald Trump: "World health ripped us off. Everybody rips off the United States. It's not going to happen anymore." (05:35)
• National Review Editors: "The agreement is indeed woefully misbegotten." (09:49)
• Washington Post Editorial Board: "America cannot stop pathogens from crossing its borders. It needs international organization to monitor diseases the world over." (19:03)
• Mark Gangloff: "Trump's sabotage adds momentum to the growing political backlash against climate action around the world." (19:03)

Final Notes: This episode of Tangle provides a comprehensive analysis of the U.S.'s strategic withdrawals from the WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement, presenting nuanced perspectives from both the political right and left. Editor Will K. Back offers a balanced critique, emphasizing the importance of maintaining global partnerships while addressing internal organizational flaws. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content critically and consider the broader implications of these international policy shifts.