The World Reacts to Donald Trump's Arrest | Pod Save The World

Pod Save the World: Trump's Arrest and Global Prosecutions

In this podcast episode, Tommy Vitor and Ben Rhodes discuss various foreign policy issues, including Trump's arrest, global prosecutions of heads of state, and destabilizing rhetoric from the Republican Party.

Trump's Arrest

• Trump was arrested just prior to recording the podcast.

• The hosts discuss how news of Trump's arrest has been received in different countries.

• Trump is trying to push the narrative that his arrest is an indictment of America itself.

• Leaders who have left office since 2000 have been jailed or prosecuted in at least 78 countries.

Global Prosecutions

• Countries that have prosecuted heads of state include France, Italy, Israel, Brazil, Taiwan, South Korea, and Peru.

• Far more destabilizing are countries that don't demand accountability.

• Some rhetoric from the Republican Party about Trump has a North Korean vibe to it.

Destabilizing Rhetoric

• People around the world look at Trump as American decline.

• Whenever Republicans pivot to talking points about Trump being persecuted or unfairly targeted by law enforcement agencies it flies in the face of reality.

Marjorie Taylor Greene's Comments on Trump's Arrest

In this section, the hosts discuss Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's comments on President Trump's arrest and how absurd they are.

Marjorie Taylor Greene's Comments

• Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene made absurd comments comparing President Trump's arrest to the arrests of Nelson Mandela and Jesus.

• The hosts reflect on how ridiculous her comments are and how people around the world must view them.

• One host mentions that seeing images of Trump in court was more powerful than expected, as it represents accountability for his actions.

• They discuss how everything in American politics has been affected by Donald Trump, and there is something powerful about holding him accountable.

Importance of Holding Trump Accountable

In this section, the hosts discuss why it is important to hold Donald Trump accountable for his actions.

Importance of Accountability

• The hosts agree that there is something cathartic and meaningful about seeing Donald Trump held accountable for his actions.

• They criticize the "lol nothing matters" attitude towards his corruption, racism, and lying because it allows the worst people to flourish in politics.

• Seeing him begin the process of accountability is a step towards restoring American credibility both domestically and internationally.

Trump's Plan to Bomb Mexico

In this section, the hosts discuss a Rolling Stone report that claims President Trump has asked advisors to draw up battle plans and military options for his second term. They also mention how Republican members of Congress are putting forward bills authorizing military force against cartels.

Trump's Plan to Bomb Mexico

• Republican members of Congress, including Dan Crenshaw, have put forward bills authorizing military force.

• The point is to treat cartels and drug importation into the U.S like terrorism and attack these people with or without support from the Mexican government.

• James Comer, the House Oversight Chairman, criticized Trump for not bombing Mexico during his first term.

• Reasons why this is not a good idea:

• The US spent years trying to bomb drug dealers into submission in Afghanistan and failed miserably at it.

• Invading Mexico probably wouldn't go over very well in Mexico.

• Amlo, the president of Mexico blamed US fentanyl deaths on Americans' lack of hugs among other things.

Insanity of Bombing Cartels

• It's worth pointing out the insanity beyond it won't solve the problem at all.

• The militarization of Morgan cicartels hasn't worked; a more multifaceted approach is needed.

• Republicans aren't interested in solving this problem.

• If the Republican party's platform is essentially we don't want to support Ukraine anymore but we do want to invade our neighbor just like Russia did shows you their complete bankruptcy and incapacity to think responsibly about these things.

Matt Gates' Legislative Aid

In this section, the hosts discuss a report by The Intercept that claims the legislative aid handling military policy for Matt Gates is a convicted war criminal who spent eight years in prison for shooting an Afghan civilian in the head during an interrogation.

Matt Gates' Legislative Aid

• The legislative aid handling military policy for Matt Gates is a convicted war criminal.

• He spent eight years in prison for shooting an Afghan civilian in the head during an interrogation.

Allegations of Criminal Behavior in the Military

Joe Rogan and Jon Favreau discuss allegations of criminal behavior within the military.

Criminal Behavior in the Military

• The military has been accused of engaging in grotesque behavior, including torture and other forms of abuse.

• There is a gateway drug phenomenon at play, where soldiers first defend practices like waterboarding before eventually accepting more extreme forms of abuse.

• The military currently employs four individuals who have been convicted of crimes.

Frustrating Furniture Assembly and Thuma Bed Advertisement

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Furniture Assembly Woes

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• When Joe's wife takes over, she is able to assemble the furniture quickly and easily. Joe then blames others for any issues that arise during assembly.

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Finland's Political Updates

This section covers two updates on Finland's political situation, including the defeat of Prime Minister Santa Marin and Finland's official membership in NATO.

Santa Marin's Defeat

• Prime Minister Santa Marin lost her bid for re-election in a three-way contest.

• Voters blamed her for Finland's rising debt and inflation, as well as her young age and fun personality.

• It is not clear whether the center-right party will form a coalition with people on their right or with more progressive parties.

Finland Joins NATO

• Despite maintaining relations with both the West and Russia, Finland has officially joined NATO after decades of neutrality.

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the calculus for Finland, despite once blaming NATO expansion for it.

• Turkey is holding up Sweden's application to join NATO by demanding that Sweden extradite members of a militant Kurdish political party.

Finland's Decision on NATO Membership

In this section, the speaker discusses Finland's decision to not join NATO despite having a capable military. The new Finnish government will have to decide whether to house NATO troops in their country.

Finland's Non-Membership in NATO

• Despite having a capable military, Finland has chosen not to join NATO.

• The new Finnish government will have to decide whether or not to allow NATO troops in their country.

Revitalization of Democratic Institutions and Values

This section discusses how the democracies of the world have reconsolidated their alliances and reinvested in NATO while Russia, China, Iran, and other countries are deepening their ties.

Revitalization of Democratic Institutions and Values

• The West has reconstituted itself by consolidating its alliances and investing in NATO.

• However, Russia, China, Iran, and other countries are also revitalizing democratic institutions and values within their borders.

Taiwan's Diplomatic Relations with Guatemala and Belize

This section talks about Taiwan's president visiting the US after visiting Guatemala and Belize. Honduras broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan due to being deep in debt.

Taiwan's Diplomatic Relations with Guatemala and Belize

• Taiwan's president is visiting the US after visiting Guatemala and Belize.

• Honduras broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan due to being deep in debt.

• President Tsai is trying to prevent more of Taiwan's 13 remaining diplomatic allies from cutting ties with them.

• President Tsai met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California, which angered the Chinese government.

Thoughts on Taiwan's Diplomatic Relations

This section discusses the value of keeping together Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies and the planned meeting between President Tsai and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Thoughts on Taiwan's Diplomatic Relations

• The value of keeping together Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies is important to them psychologically.

• The Chinese government telling Kevin McCarthy who to meet with in the United States seems unprecedented and absurd.

• It is uncertain how long these diplomatic relations will last as China has many cards to pressure these countries to shift their alliances.

Diplomatic Relationships and Taiwan

In this section, the speakers discuss diplomatic relationships with Taiwan and how to approach them.

Focusing on Stronger Relationships

• Rather than trying to hang on to small countries that China has more influence over, focus on deeper, stronger, and more multifaceted relationships with the world's democracies generally.

• The measure of success should not be whether or not a country formally recognizes Taiwan but rather having stronger relationships with the world's democracies.

McCarthy's Visit to Taiwan

• McCarthy was told by a mixture of the Biden White House and some other Republicans that visiting Taiwan was not worth setting off another massive Chinese military exercise.

• Credit is given to McCarthy for listening and doing something that would create fewer problems.

Choreography Between Taiwanese Presence and US Government

• Taiwanese presence usually does not transit through the United States. However, they agreed on careful choreography where Tsai Ing-wen meets with both Republican and Democratic leaders.

• This trip is slightly less provocative for China.

Chinese Military Exercises

• If China does another massive military exercise aimed at eliminating Taiwanese sovereignty, it will be a big deal.

• Their military strategy is rehearsing invasions by eating away at Taiwanese sovereignty.

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Discussion on Iran's Nuclear Program

This section discusses the U.S., European, and Israeli diplomats' discussions about Iran's nuclear program.

Freeze for Freeze Approach

• The West is considering a "freeze for freeze" approach to Iran's nuclear program.

• This would involve giving Iran some sanctions relief in exchange for Iran freezing parts of its nuclear program.

Progress Towards a Nuclear Bomb

• Since Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear agreement in 2018, Iran has made enormous progress towards getting a bomb.

• Enriching uranium is part of the bomb-making process, and currently, Iran has nearly 90 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium.

Netanyahu's Opposition to the Iran Nuclear Deal

In this section, the speakers discuss Netanyahu's opposition to the Iran nuclear deal from 2015 and his support for a similar proposal. They also highlight the freeze-for-freeze pathway that was negotiated in 2013.

Freeze-for-Freeze Pathway

• The pathway to the Iran nuclear deal in 2013 was a freeze-for-freeze.

• When Biden came into office, they did not try out of the box to go back to the full nuclear deal.

• There is still a security argument meant for getting the nuclear issue off the table especially from a U.S perspective.

Netanyahu's Opposition

• Netanyahu is intensely opposed to the jcpoa, but in favor of this proposal which is sort of similar in many ways.

• Netanyahu opposed that freeze-for-freeze at that time.

• A regime that has nuclear weapons can hang on in a way that regimes that don't.

Insanity of Not Being in Bigger Deal

• The fact that we are here now highlights the insanity of not being in this bigger deal in the first place.

• Nobody looks good about where this all ended up.

Possibility of New Nuclear Deal with Iran

In this section, speakers discuss how a new nuclear deal with Iran could be possible and its potential impact on preventing war and entrenching power.

Possibility of New Nuclear Deal

• This would be good but nobody looks good about where this all ended up.

• Activists may be frustrated with the suggestion that the West would cut a deal with Iran at this time.

• There is still a security argument meant for getting the nuclear issue off the table especially from a U.S perspective.

Impact on Preventing War

• It would stop the clock and prevent this from being like a flashpoint that could lead to war in the next few months or a couple of years.

• If there's bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by Israelis, maybe that just drives this government any more hard-line place and they're trying to get nuclear weapons.

Entrenching Power

• A regime that has nuclear weapons can hang on in a way that regimes that don't.

• Not having a nuclear weapon is good not just for U.S security but ultimately better for the prospect of change because the nuclear look at North Korea like a regime that has nuclear weapons can hang on uh in a way that regimes that don't.

The Cost of War and Veterans Affairs

In this section, the speaker discusses the cost of post-9/11 wars and how it has affected the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The Washington Post editorial board's call for changes in how the VA determines disability payments is also discussed.

The Cost of Post-9/11 Wars

• The US government has spent over 8 trillion dollars on post-9/11 wars.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs budget has increased from $45 billion in 2001 to over $300 billion this year due to better technology and medicine resulting in fewer casualties but higher disability rates.

Changes to Disability Payments

• The Washington Post editorial board called for changes in how the VA determines disability payments, including accounting for desk jobs and means testing payments.

• This call was criticized by the speaker as an attempt to balance the budget on the backs of veterans with disabilities.

Criticism of Washington Post Editorial Board

• The speaker criticizes the lack of self-awareness and contrition from the Washington Post editorial board regarding their role in supporting the Iraq War.

• None of the 10 members on their editorial board have served in the military, making their opinions on military affairs questionable.

The Iraq War and Veterans Affairs

In this section, the hosts discuss an editorial board's concern about debt and deficit in Iraq. They express their outrage at the idea of taking away benefits from veterans who were sent to Iraq for false premises.

The Simpson Bowles Concern

• The hosts describe the Simpson Bowles-like overstated hyperbolic concern about debt and deficit in Iraq.

• They express their anger towards the editorial board for supporting sending veterans to Iraq for no reason and now supporting taking away their benefits.

• The hosts suggest that members of the editorial board should visit military bases, Veterans communities, and Veterans Affairs hospitals to see how their decisions affect people.

Developments in Russia

In this section, the hosts discuss recent developments in Russia, including a pro-war Russian blogger's assassination and a Wall Street Journal reporter's arrest on spying charges.

Pro-War Russian Blogger Assassination

• The hosts discuss the assassination of a pro-war Russian blogger named Vladlin Tartarsky.

• They mention that he was killed by an explosion while giving a public lecture in St. Petersburg.

• The hosts speculate that either some element of Ukrainian services or domestic resistance or oppositionists inside Russia could be responsible for his death.

Arrest of Wall Street Journal Reporter

• The hosts talk about Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was arrested by Russian intelligence service FSB on spying charges.

• They express concern over his arrest since it is similar to what happened during the Cold War when Moscow bureau chief for U.S news and World Report was thrown in prison for 13 days.

• The hosts mention that the CIA has officially prohibited recruiting any U.S news agency employee to avoid such scenarios.

Analysis of Developments in Russia

In this section, the hosts provide their analysis of recent developments in Russia.

Assassination of Pro-War Russian Blogger

• The hosts express skepticism about whether the assassination of Vladlin Tartarsky was carried out by anti-corruption activists or Ukrainian services.

• They suggest that as the war goes on, more people could get killed or things could blow up in Russia.

Arrest of Wall Street Journal Reporter

• The hosts discuss how Evan Gershkovich's arrest is a big deal since it is similar to what happened during the Cold War.

• They express concern over how long this process could stretch on.

Ukraine Update

The speaker discusses the troubling situation in Ukraine, including the arrest of a journalist on espionage charges and the potential for Russia to become more controlled and violent. They also provide updates on military aid from the US, Russia's cyber warfare capabilities, and warnings about Russian State propaganda.

Troubling Situation in Ukraine

• Someone in Ukraine is ordering actions that are causing people to get angry.

• Arrest of a journalist on espionage charges is concerning as it could take a long time to negotiate his release.

• Espionage charges are not like other charges and they will not want to let him go unless there is a high-level agreement.

• Russia is becoming darker, more controlled, and violent through this war.

Updates on Military Aid and Cyber Warfare

• The US announced another 2.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine.

• A private Russian company providing cyber warfare services to the Russian government was leaked by news outlets.

• Reports suggest that this leak came from a disgruntled Russian worker who was angry about the invasion of Ukraine.

Warnings About Russian State Propaganda

• Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Dmitry Muratov warns that Russian State propaganda is laying groundwork to make people believe using nuclear weapons is not a big deal.

• Russians are digging massive numbers of deep trenches throughout Crimea and other parts of occupied Ukrainian territories which shows they're digging in for the Long Haul for this war.

Putin's Connections

The speaker discusses newly leaked documents that reveal Putin's connections to Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch connected to Putin who paid for an apartment gifted by Putin to his former high school teacher.

• Newly leaked documents reveal that the apartment gifted by Putin to his former high school teacher was actually paid for by Roman Abramovich.

• This is illustrative of how Putin operates and who he is.

Montenegro's Political Transition and OPEC Plus Production Cut

In this section, the hosts discuss the recent political transition in Montenegro and the OPEC Plus production cut.

Montenegro's Political Transition

• During his first term, Dukanovic led Montenegro when it gained independence from Serbia in 2006 and brought them into NATO in 2017 despite objections from Russia.

• The hosts discuss the importance of transitions of power in democracies and hope that a different leader will continue to pursue integration with Europe and good relations with neighbors.

• The hosts note that backsliding, corruption, and instability are trends seen in other Balkan countries that pull things backwards.

OPEC Plus Production Cut

• OPEC plus announced a cut in oil production sending prices up about 5% over the weekend.

• The hosts believe that this production cut is mostly about maximizing profits after a dip in energy prices but also benefits Saudi Arabia by hurting Joe Biden and helping Russia bring in cash to fund their war.

• They mention how Gulf countries are pouring money into Jared Kushner's pocket either for favors received or for favors they hope to get in the future.

Biden's UK Visit and Mussolini's Granddaughter

In this section, the hosts discuss Joe Biden's decision not to attend Prince Philip's funeral and Alessandra Mussolini's wine protest.

Biden Skips Prince Philip's Funeral

• Joe Biden did not attend Prince Philip's funeral.

• The hosts do not find this surprising.

• The press is eager to write about how Charles has diminished the monarchy.

• This is a difficult standard for Charles to meet.

• Charles needs to set expectations for his reign.

Mussolini's Granddaughter Protests Wine Labels

• Alessandra Mussolini protested Ireland's plan to add health warnings to wine bottles by drinking from a bottle of wine at a press conference.

• Spain and Italy are also opposed to the plan.

• The hosts support wine consumption but question whether labels will slow people down.

• They note that French wines are expensive in the US due to tariffs.

Review and French Flair

In this section, the hosts discuss the background of their show and describe the room they are in. They also talk about a book on Voltaire that one of them is reading and mention the mistreatment of Protestants by French Catholics in the past.

Room Description

• The room they are in is described as an annex or closet.

• Ben is working from a closet while recording.

• The couch in the room is described as having a waiting room style with a little French flair.

Book on Voltaire

• One of the hosts has been reading a biography of Voltaire, a famous 17th-century French thinker.

• They discuss how French Catholics were not kind to Protestants during that time period.

Late Night Work and Indictment

In this section, the hosts briefly discuss the late hour at which they are recording and express gratitude for their listeners. They also mention Donald Trump's indictment.

Late Night Recording

• It is mentioned that it is currently 11:05 PM where one of the hosts is located.

• Ben is working late hours to record for their audience.

Gratitude for Listeners and Indictment Mention

• The hosts thank their listeners for tuning in.

• They express gratitude towards Donald Trump for getting indicted, making their day better.