The Bulwark Podcast: Susan Glasser — "Giving Away the Store to Putin"
Release Date: February 18, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in a profound discussion with Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker and co-author of The Divider, a detailed history of Donald Trump's presidency. The conversation delves deep into the intricate and concerning developments in U.S.-Russia relations under Trump's leadership, the ramifications for NATO and European security, the alarming cuts to USAID, and the broader crisis facing American democracy. Below is a detailed summary of their insightful dialogue.

1. The Evolving U.S.-Russia Relationship

Susan Glasser provides a historical backdrop to the current U.S.-Russia dynamics, highlighting the stark transformation since Putin's rise to power over two decades ago. She emphasizes the unexpected alignment of Trump with Putin, which has significantly altered the U.S.'s stance towards Russia.

• Key Insights:

  • The U.S. is witnessing a "surrender" to Russia, marked by unprecedented negotiations that Glasser likens to a "surrender."
  • Trump's administration exhibits a willingness to normalize relations with Putin, which Glasser argues undermines America's traditional adversarial stance.

• Notable Quote:

  "This is a developing story... It's not an accident that the Russian state media, Russian newspapers are calling this Putin's success."
  [07:56]

2. Trump's Approach and Its Implications

Glasser critically examines Trump's rhetoric and policies towards Russia, portraying a leader who not only downplays threats but actively seeks reconciliation with adversarial nations.

• Key Insights:

  • Trump’s statements often contradict the previous administration's stance, leading to confusion and concern among European allies.
  • The notion that Trump would abandon NATO or withdraw U.S. troops raises significant alarms about the future of collective defense mechanisms.

• Notable Quote:

  "Donald Trump is now seeking to welcome him [Putin] back into, you know, sort of the family of nations after the largest unprovoked land war in Europe since the end of World War II."
  [05:42]

3. Impact on NATO and European Security

The discussion touches upon the fragility of NATO under the current U.S. administration and the potential long-term consequences for European security.

• Key Insights:

  • European nations are grappling with the realization that the U.S. may no longer be a steadfast ally.
  • Emergency summits, like the one convened by President Macron, reflect the urgency and uncertainty surrounding NATO’s future.

• Notable Quote:

  "Trump has already made NATO's Article 5, the whole foundation of the treaty, a dead letter."
  [17:09]

4. USAID Funding Cuts and Global Consequences

Glasser highlights the detrimental effects of slashing USAID funding, illustrating how such moves not only harm vulnerable populations but also bolster adversarial narratives.

• Key Insights:

  • The elimination of aid for victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam serves as a significant propaganda victory for nations like China.
  • Cuts to USAID contradict traditional Republican support for expanding American influence through smart foreign aid programs.

• Notable Quote:

  "If you eliminate every single program [in USAID], it would make literally zero impact on the overall U.S. government spending."
  [27:22]

5. Crisis of Democracy and Federal Bureaucracy Attacks

The conversation shifts to the broader assault on American democratic structures, with Trump and his allies undermining the integrity of federal institutions through unilateral actions.

• Key Insights:

  • Trump’s disregard for judicial decrees represents an unprecedented threat to the checks and balances that safeguard democracy.
  • Legal experts fear that Trump could set historical precedents by refusing to comply with court rulings, potentially destabilizing democratic norms.

• Notable Quote:

  "Trump might become really the first president of the post American Civil War era... there's a fear that he breaks the back of this thing [democracy]."
  [35:24]

6. Media and Press Freedom Under Siege

Glasser passionately defends the sanctity of a free press, criticizing efforts by the Trump administration to manipulate media narratives and suppress independent journalism.

• Key Insights:

  • The administration's attacks on organizations like the Associated Press aim to create a loyal, state-aligned press pool.
  • Such measures are indicative of authoritarian playbooks, seeking to dismantle free speech and journalistic independence.

• Notable Quote:

  "They're trying to put their emperor hat on and tell the Associated Press... that they will ban you if you don't adopt my language."
  [43:29]

7. The Greenland Purchase Attempt

In a striking revelation from her book, Glasser discusses Trump’s long-standing and serious interest in purchasing Greenland—a notion that was initially dismissed as a joke.

• Key Insights:

  • Internal discussions revealed Trump’s obsession with acquiring Greenland, driven by its strategic location and mineral wealth.
  • Despite resistance and the impracticality of such an acquisition, the idea resurfaced following Trump's reelection, showcasing his unconventional approach to international relations.

• Notable Quote:

  "Trump was obsessed for years in his first term with purchasing Greenland privately. He was bringing it up at cabinet meetings."
  [49:17]

8. Conclusion: The Path Forward

Glasser and Miller conclude with a sobering assessment of the current political landscape, emphasizing the urgent need to defend democratic institutions and resist authoritarian tendencies.

• Key Insights:

  • The onslaught on democratic norms requires collective action and unwavering commitment to institutional integrity.
  • Recognizing and opposing subtle erosions of democracy is crucial to prevent further destabilization.

• Notable Quote:

  "Donald Trump and Elon Musk, they're not going to stop. Because you give them just this one little thing, they're going to keep going and take something else."
  [47:10]

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a critical examination of the alarming shifts in U.S. foreign policy, democratic resilience, and media integrity under Trump's administration. Susan Glasser's expertise provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the potential long-term consequences of these developments, urging vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic values.