Summary of Podcast Episode: "The Education of Donald J. Trump"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Commentary Magazine Podcast
• Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
• Description: Commentary is America's premier monthly magazine of opinion: General, yet Jewish. Highly variegated, with a unifying perspective. Listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
• Episode: The Education of Donald J. Trump
• Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Education of Donald J. Trump," Commentary Magazine's hosts, John Podhoretz and Seth Mandel, delve into the complexities of Donald Trump's second presidency, particularly focusing on his foreign policy maneuvers concerning Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The discussion is a two-person conversation, as other team members are unavailable due to personal and professional commitments.

Trump's Foreign Policy Toward Russia and Ukraine

John Podhoretz initiates the conversation by highlighting two significant foreign policy developments announced by President Trump:

1. Assessment of Vladimir Putin:

   • Trump expresses frustration over Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to pursue peace in ongoing conflicts.
   • Quote [01:08]: "So even in a second presidency, there's a learning curve."

2. Strained Relations with Volodymyr Zelensky:

   • Trump criticizes Ukrainian President Zelensky for his demeanor during phone calls, indicating a desire to disengage from the conflict.
   • Quote [04:18]: "It's like nobody was asking America to solve and end the war in Ukraine."

Seth Mandel compares Trump’s sudden realization about Putin to a "flip out," suggesting Trump may not have fully understood Putin's character before his dealings intensified.

Analysis of Putin's Behavior

Both hosts analyze Putin's strategies and motivations:

• John Podhoretz likens Putin's aggressive tactics to "total war," emphasizing his disregard for civilian life and his intent to weaken Ukraine's morale.

  • Quote [10:17]: "He started a war to take over as much of Ukraine as possible."

• Seth Mandel reinforces the notion that Putin's actions are a genuine display of disrespect and aggression towards Trump, indicating no fear of American consequences.

Comparisons to Jimmy Carter

The conversation draws parallels between Trump's current handling of foreign policy and former President Jimmy Carter's approach during crises:

• John Podhoretz references Carter’s handling of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, noting Carter's realization of the Soviet threat post-invasion.

  • Quote [14:42]: "Jimmy Carter who wandered around flattering tyrants and totalitarians after his presidency to get them to do things he wanted."

• The hosts suggest that, much like Carter, Trump may be undergoing a similar learning curve in recognizing the true nature of adversaries like Putin.

Trump's Negotiations and Policy Decisions

The hosts critique Trump's decision-making process and the impacts of his actions:

• John Podhoretz criticizes Trump for introducing an undemanded plan to end the war, causing confusion and undermining established Western support for Ukraine.

  • Quote [04:18]: "He comes in, he creates months of confusion, conflict."

• Seth Mandel discusses the irreversibility of Trump's actions, highlighting that certain policies cannot be undone, such as withholding weapons or intelligence sharing.

  • Quote [10:27]: "You can't undo cutting off weapons and intelligence sharing for any period of time."

Impact on Ukraine and the Wider Conflict

The discussion emphasizes the dire situation for Ukraine and the broader implications of Trump's policies:

• John Podhoretz asserts that Ukraine's fight is for survival, framing the conflict as a binary choice between freedom and subjugation.

  • Quote [29:14]: "Ukraine will cease to exist [...] It's a fight for survival."

• Seth Mandel adds that Ukraine's resilience is crucial and that American and European support is driven by the need to weaken Russia, a longstanding adversary.

Israel's Involvement and Hostage Negotiations

The conversation shifts to Israel's role in the region and the complexities of hostage negotiations:

• John Podhoretz discusses failed negotiations mediated by individuals like Bhabha, leading to disillusionment among hostage families.

  • Quote [38:28]: "Hostage families who hate him... said he gave us false hope."

• Seth Mandel explains the breakdown in communication with Hamas, citing the elimination of key figures like Muhammad Sinwar, which complicates negotiation efforts.

  • Quote [50:45]: "The communication lines have been disrupted in a major way."

Relations with Iran and Potential Strikes

The hosts explore the precarious relationship between the U.S., Israel, and Iran:

• John Podhoretz highlights reports that Israel is considering strikes on Iran regardless of the status of U.S.-brokered deals.

  • Quote [42:18]: "Israel preparing for a strike on Iran... incredibly risky."

• Seth Mandel counters by normalizing such contingency plans as standard diplomatic and military preparedness, comparing them to routine war games.

  • Quote [44:28]: "Israel has some plans in case it fails, believes it needs to strike Iran."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with John Podhoretz reflecting on the tumultuous nature of the discussions and the challenges faced in managing two significant conflicts simultaneously. Seth Mandel underscores the complexities and irreversible nature of Trump's foreign policy decisions, emphasizing the long-term impacts on international relations.

Final Quotes:

• John Podhoretz [56:36]: "Keep the candle burning."
• Seth Mandel [56:36]: "Sam."

Key Takeaways

• Trump's learning curve: Similar to Jimmy Carter, Trump's second term shows signs of evolving understanding of adversaries like Putin.
• Irreversible policies: Actions such as altering intelligence sharing and weapon support have long-term consequences that cannot be easily undone.
• Ukraine's dire situation: The conflict is framed as existential for Ukraine, with Western support aimed at weakening Russia.
• Complex Middle East dynamics: Israel's precarious negotiations with Hamas and potential actions against Iran add layers of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
• Hostage negotiations failure: Breakdown in communication with Hamas complicates efforts to secure hostages, leading to frustration among affected families.

This detailed exploration provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Trump's foreign policy challenges and the broader implications for international relations.