The Rachman Review

Episode: The Voice of Moderate America
Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Gideon Rachman
Guest: Senator Jean Shaheen (D-NH), Senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Episode Overview

This episode examines the current state and trajectory of American foreign policy under the Trump administration, with a particular focus on Ukraine, Gaza, Venezuela, U.S. alliances, and domestic political undercurrents. Gideon Rachman interviews Senator Jean Shaheen, who offers an insider’s perspective on the bipartisan response to Trump’s controversial moves, challenges within Congress, shifts in global alliances, and the resilience of American democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine and U.S. Foreign Policy (00:00–05:12)

• Trump’s Peace Plan:
  The administration has presented a plan to end the Ukraine war, perceived as heavily favoring Russia.

  • Shaheen's view:
    “That is not the kind of peace deal that I’m going to support.” (02:07)
    She criticizes the Trump administration for refusing to put meaningful pressure on Putin and for allowing the war to continue through inaction.
  • Bipartisan Support:
    Despite apparent partisan divides, Shaheen claims “strong bipartisan support” for Ukraine in Congress, citing recent bills targeting Russia and Chinese companies aiding its war effort.

• Congressional Dynamics:
  Acknowledges uncertainty about whether Republicans will oppose Trump if he pushes for his deal, but notes “to date, they have been pretty loud in support of Ukraine.” (03:44)

2. U.S.–European and U.S.–Asian Alliances (05:12–07:16)

• European Relations:
  • Shaheen credits NATO Secretary General Rutte for securing defense spending commitments but sees ongoing inconsistency from the Trump administration, especially regarding tariffs and waivers for Hungary.
  • “This is not an administration that has been at all consistent in how it handles foreign policy.” (06:22)
• Asian Relations:
  Despite strain from forced trade deals, Asian allies continue to work with the U.S., recognizing the necessity of partnership amid “inconsistent messages.” (06:39)

3. The Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Israel, and Iran (07:16–14:19)

• Meeting with Mohammed bin Salman:
  Recent Senate talks with MBS focused on regional stability, the Gaza situation, Syrian sanctions, Iranian influence, and possible cooperation on Sudan.
  • Human rights concerns, especially over women’s rights and the Khashoggi murder, remain contentious.
    “I did raise concern about women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. And he acknowledged that they were working very hard to address those.” (08:57)
• Role of Saudi Arabia:
  Shaheen recognizes their pivotal role in the Middle East despite remaining “areas that we don’t agree with” (08:57), notably on human rights.
• Gaza Ceasefire & Regional Stability:
  The new ceasefire is fragile. Shaheen is “hopeful that it sticks because we don’t have much of a backup plan at this point.” (10:18)
  • On Gaza’s future: integrating it with the West Bank presents “very big challenges and very big questions about the future.” (10:39)
• Israel and U.S. Domestic Politics:
  Biden, Trump, and Obama administrations have all aimed to reduce focus on the region but, Shaheen suggests, “that never seems to work out.” (12:22)
• Israeli Politics:
  Shaheen distinguishes support for Israel from support for Netanyahu’s government, expressing concern over how the Gaza war is being managed and the blocking of humanitarian aid. (13:53)

4. China, U.S.–China Relations, and Great Power Competition (14:53–19:20)

• China’s Growing Strength:
  Shaheen notes that China is “in a much stronger position than they were during the first Trump administration” due to successful tariff retaliation and economic leverage. (15:28)
• Global Retreat & Leadership:
  She references a Senate Foreign Relations Committee report outlining America’s withdrawal from global engagement and China stepping in to fill the vacuum. (16:31)
• On Avoiding Great Power Conflict:
  Critiques Trump’s approach as contradictory: assembling military force in the Caribbean while offering mixed signals on Russia and China (17:33).
  • Quoting President Zelensky: “Russia is not just gearing up for Ukraine, it’s gearing up to go into Europe.” (18:14)
    • Russia’s incursions into NATO countries’ airspace are cited as warning signs.

5. Venezuela and U.S. Military Posture in the Caribbean (19:20–21:00)

• Venezuela Crisis:
  Trump has left open the possibility of military intervention under the guise of fighting cartels—a move Shaheen warns may lead to dangerous escalation.
  • “We need to make sure that we’re acting within international law and that what we’re doing does not risk further escalation.” (19:44)
• Congressional Oversight:
  Shaheen laments the lack of administration transparency, with only minimal briefings given to Congress on Venezuela actions. (20:30)

6. Domestic Politics and Public Sentiment (21:00–25:53)

• Ebbing Trump Power:
  Shaheen points to electoral results and bipartisan votes (such as forcing the release of Epstein files) as signs that “the tide is turning against Trump a little.” (21:17)
• Economic Pain:
  Tariffs have driven up costs and created uncertainty, with no revival of American industry in sight:
  • “It doesn’t matter how high the tariffs are, the industry that we’re in is not coming back.” (22:24)
• Immigration Backlash:
  There’s widespread pushback against the administration’s “wholesale rounding up of people,” with public demonstrations and fears about America closing its doors to immigrants. (23:20)
• Government Shutdown Resolution:
  Shaheen played a central role in brokering a compromise, viewing it as a necessity to protect federal workers and restore food assistance, illustrating that “normal politics” and negotiation can still work. (24:29)

7. The State and Future of American Democracy (25:53–28:22)

• Democracy under Strain:
  Shaheen warns that democracy “is hard. You can’t take it for granted. You have to engage in it.” (26:23)
  She notes historical struggles, reminds listeners of the need for public engagement, and acknowledges that courts are beginning to rein in executive excesses.
  • “Donald Trump is not abiding by the rule of law in so many areas, and the courts are beginning to hold him accountable.” (27:09)
  • “Democracy doesn’t always work the way we want it to, but I think it works if we engage in it.” (27:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ukraine Peace Plan:
  “It’s a peace deal with Russia over Ukraine, and that is not the kind of peace deal that I’m going to support.”
  — Senator Shaheen (02:07)

• On Trump’s Foreign Policy Consistency:
  “This is not an administration that has been at all consistent in how it handles foreign policy.”
  — Senator Shaheen (06:22)

• On Trump’s Tariff Policy:
  “Every business I have visited in New Hampshire since the tariff regime was put on, has said to me two things. One is the uncertainty has been as difficult as the dollar amount, and the other is their costs are going up...”
  — Senator Shaheen (21:55)

• On Democracy:
  “The fight for democracy is hard. You can’t take it for granted. You have to engage in it.”
  — Senator Shaheen (26:23)

• On Russia’s Intentions:
  “Russia is not just gearing up for Ukraine, it’s gearing up to go into Europe.”
  — President Zelensky, as quoted by Shaheen (18:14)

Key Timestamps

• 00:00–05:12: Ukraine peace plan, U.S. bipartisan support, prospects for new aid
• 05:12–07:16: U.S.–European and U.S.–Asian alliances under strain
• 07:16–14:19: Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Iran, Israel, and prospects for Middle East peace
• 14:53–19:20: China’s growing strength, tariffs, global leadership and competition
• 19:20–21:00: Venezuela, U.S. military moves in the Caribbean, congressional oversight
• 21:00–25:53: U.S. domestic politics: economic pain, immigration, and government shutdown
• 25:53–28:22: The state and resilience of American democracy

Tone & Takeaways

Senator Shaheen embodies the moderate, pragmatic wing of American politics. Her remarks are measured, frequently bipartisan in spirit, and deeply critical of what she sees as the Trump administration’s inconsistency, isolationism, and abandonment of traditional alliances and values. While she is blunt about the current dangers—in both foreign affairs and domestic politics—her message ultimately emphasizes civic engagement, the potential for bipartisan solutions, and the enduring (if challenged) strength of American democracy.