The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Trump Negotiates with Himself"
Release Date: May 12, 2025
In the episode titled "Trump Negotiates with Himself," hosts John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Matthew Continetti, and Christine Rosen delve into a multifaceted discussion surrounding former President Donald Trump's recent political maneuvers, particularly his interactions with China, domestic economic policies, foreign relations, and controversial decisions like the acquisition of a new presidential aircraft. The conversation offers a critical analysis of Trump's strategies, their implications for U.S. politics, and broader geopolitical dynamics.
1. U.S.-China Trade Relations and Tariff Adjustments
The podcast opens with a discussion on the temporary cessation of tariff hostilities between the U.S. and China. John Podhoretz expresses skepticism about the efficacy and motivations behind the Trump administration's recent tariff reductions.
- Podhoretz's Critique: "Sort of like creating a crisis and then solving it part way temporarily, and then you get credit for solving a crisis" ([01:16]).
Christine Rosen provides a counterpoint, highlighting the market's positive reaction and the strategic pause in tariffs as a preferable outcome to an escalated trade war.
- Rosen's Perspective: "I think that's a good sign" ([03:43]).
The hosts debate whether Trump will receive deserved credit for this move or if it’s merely a strategic retreat that masks underlying issues.
- Podhoretz's Analogy: "Trump and China… it's like, is this good for the economy? I guess so. [...] MAGA celebrate Trump's great triumph over himself" ([05:02]).
2. Assessing Trump's Negotiation Tactics
Abe Greenwald introduces the idea that Trump's approach might be a precursor to significant backpedaling in future negotiations, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the actual benefits of these temporary tariff adjustments.
- Greenwald's Insight: "Back down is real and not just on tariffs" ([07:40]).
Christine Rosen argues that Chinese counterparts may have been quicker to concede than anticipated, reflecting economic anxieties on both sides.
- Rosen on China's Position: "I have a feeling the period will be extended, means that the Chinese were at least as worried about the effects on their economy as Americans were worried about the effects on ours" ([08:46]).
3. Historical Context and Long-Term Impact on U.S.-China Relations
The conversation transitions to a historical analysis of U.S.-China relations, referencing past publications and the long-term consequences of policies initiated decades ago.
- Podhoretz's Historical Reference: "This is a 30 year problem that some of us were warning about 30 years ago" ([14:57]).
Christine Rosen elaborates on the structural differences between U.S. and Chinese economies, arguing that China's state-directed investment poses ongoing challenges for meaningful trade relations.
- Rosen on Economic Models: "China's economy is completely driven by state directed investment into export, building capacity" ([13:21]).
4. Domestic Economic Policies and Prescription Drug Pricing
Shifting focus, the hosts analyze Trump's domestic economic policies, particularly his attempt to lower prescription drug prices through an executive order.
- Podhoretz's Skepticism: "I don't believe the president can wave his hand and lower the cost of prescription drugs by 80%" ([24:19]).
Christine Rosen cites a RAND study to argue that price controls could negatively impact life expectancy due to reduced pharmaceutical research and development.
- Rosen's Argument: "These price controls have big consequences when it comes to drug companies and pharma in particular R and D" ([28:28]).
Matthew Continetti adds that such measures could stifle innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.
- Continetti's Point: "Price controls also shut it down or slow it" ([28:54]).
5. Foreign Policy Maneuvers: Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza
The discussion broadens to assess Trump's foreign policy actions, including his unconventional negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program, the Ukraine conflict, and the Gaza situation.
- Podhoretz on Ukraine Ceasefire: "Trump ... turns once again to the person that he seems to feel like he can pressure. Zelensky and says, go for a ceasefire anyway" ([40:27]).
Christine Rosen highlights the implications of these unilateral negotiations, suggesting they could weaken U.S. support for traditional allies like Israel.
- Rosen on U.S.-Israel Relations: "America is separating itself from Israel's national security challenges" ([46:08]).
The hosts express concern that Trump's interventions may undermine established diplomatic efforts and complicate relationships with key international partners.
6. The Air Force One Controversy
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Trump's acquisition of a new presidential aircraft, purportedly gifted by Qatar, raising ethical and security concerns.
- Podhoretz's Criticism: "It's poor judgment... You're going to get a huge scandal" ([58:37]).
Abe Greenwald underscores the security risks associated with using a foreign-built aircraft for the President, questioning the integrity and safety of such a decision.
- Greenwald's Concern: "There is no way we should put our president... into a plane built by a foreign government" ([59:06]).
Christine Rosen discusses the potential political fallout, noting that influential MAGA figures oppose the move, which could lead to internal fractures within Trump's support base.
- Rosen on Internal Opposition: "There's a split... likely to prevent it from happening" ([55:55]).
7. Political Implications and Future Scenarios
The hosts speculate on the political ramifications of Trump's actions, particularly in the context of upcoming elections and potential impeachment proceedings.
- Podhoretz on Impeachment Risks: "This plane... is one of the unquestionably impeachable and convictable offenses in the Constitution" ([63:14]).
Christine Rosen contemplates the possibility of Democrats gaining control of Congress, which could intensify investigations into Trump's administration and exacerbate political tensions.
- Rosen on Congressional Control: "If the Democrats win even the House next year, the last two years of Trump's second term will be very ugly" ([70:43]).
Abe Greenwald warns that a struggling economy could further destabilize Trump's position, leaving him vulnerable to political attacks.
- Greenwald on Economic Impact: "If the economy is booming, a lot of people are willing to overlook... But the economy is not where he's going to want it if they do lose the House" ([66:47]).
8. Cultural and Historical Reflections
In a brief interlude, Christine Rosen recommends Rachel Cockrell's book "Melting Point," which explores Zionist movements and their historical significance, drawing parallels to contemporary geopolitical issues.
- Rosen's Book Recommendation: "[...] a look back at Rachel Cockrell's family history... and the early split in the Zionist movement" ([69:00]).
This recommendation serves to contextualize current political strategies within a broader historical narrative, emphasizing the enduring complexities of international relations.
Conclusion
The episode "Trump Negotiates with Himself" offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Donald Trump's recent policies and actions, both domestic and international. The hosts collectively express concerns over the strategic coherence of Trump's approach, the ethical implications of his decisions, and the potential long-term impacts on U.S. political stability and global standing. By interweaving historical contexts with contemporary analysis, the podcast provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing American leadership and the intricate dance between political maneuvering and policy effectiveness.