The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Not a Great Couple of Days for Trump" Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host Jon Bud Horitz, along with Executive Editor Abe Greenwald, Social Commentary Columnist Christine Rosen, and Senior Editor Seth Mandel, delve into a series of turbulent events surrounding former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The discussion spans political missteps, administrative appointments, international relations, and the broader implications for American governance and global standing.

1. Trump and Macron's Disagreement on Ukraine Funding

The podcast opens with a significant moment where Donald Trump was publicly corrected by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the nature of European funds to Ukraine.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Miscommunication on Funding: Trump inaccurately stated that Ukraine was receiving money from Europe as grants, whereas Macron clarified that these were loans that Ukraine must repay.
  • Implications: This correction underscores potential misinformation within Trump's inner circle and raises questions about the reliability of the information he receives.

• Notable Quote:

  • Jon Bud Horitz (01:45): "It makes you then wonder if people are pouring nonsense into Trump's ear... They're just loaning the money. They're going to give it, they have to give it back."

2. Appointment of Dan Bongino and FBI Leadership Concerns

Abe Greenwald expresses deep concerns over Dan Bongino's appointment as Deputy Director of the FBI, highlighting his lack of traditional FBI experience.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Lack of Experience: Bongino's background as a police officer and Secret Service agent without managerial experience is criticized.
  • Potential Risks: Concerns are raised about the FBI's ability to maintain constitutional protections under leadership perceived as inexperienced and ideologically driven.
  • Impact on Agency: The appointment is seen as a catalyst for the FBI potentially overstepping its bounds, restricting citizens' rights contrary to MAGA principles.

• Notable Quote:

  • Abe Greenwald (06:25): "Having a bunch of performance artists running the agency is very, very, very bad. It's really bad."

3. Elon Musk's Influence on Federal Agencies and Controversial Emails

Christine Rosen and Seth Mandel discuss Elon Musk's recent actions that have caused confusion and concern among federal employees, particularly regarding unsolicited emails from his side.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Irregular Directives: Federal employees received unsanctioned emails from Musk, bypassing the established chain of command.
  • Security Risks: The emails posed potential security threats and disruptions within federal operations.
  • Employee Reactions: Federal employees expressed frustration over being compelled to respond to these irregular communications, seeing them as threats rather than legitimate directives.

• Notable Quote:

  • Christine Rosen (08:20): "Check response for accuracy. Hope for the best, Expect the worst."

4. MAGA Administration's Bureaucratic Practices: Performative vs. Substantive

Seth Mandel critiques the current MAGA administration's approach to bureaucracy, emphasizing a preference for performative actions over meaningful reforms.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Performative Attacks: The administration's actions are characterized as intimidating rather than focused on systematic improvements.
  • Lack of Strategic Planning: Critics argue that the administration lacks a coherent strategy, leading to ineffective and thoughtless policy implementations.
  • Impact on Governance: The emphasis on performance undermines the potential for substantial bureaucratic reform and sustainable policy outcomes.

• Notable Quote:

  • Seth Mandel (10:51): "This is a performance of bureaucratic attack. And I think it's very satisfying emotionally to a lot of voters. But we have to see results."

5. UN Resolution on Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Trump's Response

The hosts discuss the Trump administration's handling of a UN resolution concerning Russia's aggression against Ukraine, highlighting its negative impact on international alliances.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Rescinded Support: The US under Trump did not join a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression, despite historical precedence.
  • Allied Relations: This move strained relationships with traditional allies and signaled a departure from established international stances against aggression.
  • Global Standing: Trump's actions are perceived as retreating from America's role in upholding global norms and responding firmly to authoritarianism.

• Notable Quote:

  • Seth Mandel (25:13): "This move undermines American taxpayers' rights to ensure the use of their dollars aligns with our laws and our national interests."

6. Prisoner Exchanges Between Israel and Hamas

Christine Rosen provides an in-depth analysis of the recent prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the asymmetrical impacts and security implications.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Asymmetry in Exchanges: The exchange of hostages often results in more Hamas prisoners being released in exchange for very few Israeli hostages.
  • Security Risks: Released Hamas members pose ongoing security threats, necessitating increased vigilance and immediate counter-terrorism measures by Israel.
  • Long-Term Implications: These exchanges may perpetuate the cycle of violence and undermine long-term peace efforts.

• Notable Quote:

  • Christine Rosen (36:10): "When the other side gets released, they're carrying on shoulders through the west bank with an automatic gun and a keffiyeh and whooping and hollering and promising to go back to, you know, doing what they do."

7. Rescinding Biden's Memo on US Arms Sales to Israel

In a controversial stride, Trump rescinded a Biden-era memorandum that imposed additional oversight on US arms sales to Israel, raising questions about accountability and human rights.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Policy Reversal: Biden’s National Security Memorandum 20 required countries receiving US weapons to commit to their responsible use concerning civilians and humanitarian aid, which Trump has now revoked.
  • Criticism and Praise: While the podcast hosts criticize the move, noting it as an abrogation of important oversight, Abe Greenwald acknowledges the effective displacement of what they term a "moral suasion stain."
  • Implications for Human Rights: Removing these safeguards potentially diminishes the ability to monitor and ensure ethical use of US-supplied weapons internationally.

• Notable Quote:

  • Jon Bud Horitz (39:57): "I want to praise him for this, for removing this stain on America's moral suasion."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the hosts present a critical view of the Trump administration's recent actions, emphasizing the potential dangers of performative leadership, lack of strategic planning, and disregard for established protocols and international norms. The discussion underscores concerns about the erosion of bureaucratic integrity, the reinforcement of security risks, and the undermining of America's moral and diplomatic standing on the global stage.

Additional Remarks: While the majority of the episode focuses on serious political and administrative issues, the hosts briefly touch upon lighter topics towards the end, including comments on the Oscars and Hollywood, though these are not explored in depth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jon Bud Horitz (01:45): "It makes you then wonder if people are pouring nonsense into Trump's ear... They're just loaning the money. They're going to give it, they have to give it back."

• Abe Greenwald (06:25): "Having a bunch of performance artists running the agency is very, very, very bad. It's really bad."

• Christine Rosen (08:20): "Check response for accuracy. Hope for the best, Expect the worst."

• Seth Mandel (10:51): "This is a performance of bureaucratic attack. And I think it's very satisfying emotionally to a lot of voters. But we have to see results."

• Seth Mandel (25:13): "This move undermines American taxpayers' rights to ensure the use of their dollars aligns with our laws and our national interests."

• Christine Rosen (36:10): "When the other side gets released, they're carrying on shoulders through the west bank with an automatic gun and a keffiyeh and whooping and hollering and promising to go back to, you know, doing what they do."

• Jon Bud Horitz (39:57): "I want to praise him for this, for removing this stain on America's moral suasion."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the critical discussions and insights shared by the hosts regarding the recent challenges and developments within the Trump administration and their broader implications.