A $1.776 billion settlement gives near sole personal discretion over a large fund for victims of political “weaponization,” prompting concern about legality and credibility. The episode connects this domestic development to broader foreign-policy risks, including fallout from the war in Iran and Russia’s stalemate with Ukraine. It also examines the implications of President Trump’s approach toward Taiwan, arguing that reduced commitment weakens deterrence. The episode further considers how Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping affects America’s standing with China. It concludes with a discussion of what science says about astrology, contrasting scientific evidence with astrological claims.
"President Trump has succeeded in obtaining some kind of fund of, apparently or reportedly, $1.776 billion for him, at his near sole personal discretion, to dispense to allies and associates. The whole story is so incredible and so doubtfully legal that it's hard even to find a language to describe what it is we've got here. Let's step back to understand the story a little better before we understand what its implications are."
"My guest this week will be Phillips O'Brien, a military historian at the University of St. Andrews, and we'll be discussing the wars in Ukraine and Russia, the wars between the United States and Iran, and the risk of war around the island of Taiwan. The book this week will be What Science Says About Astrology, by Carlos Orsi."
"Frum and O'Brien discuss President Trump's lack of commitment toward Taiwan and how he has greatly diminished America's standing with China."
"Finally, David ends the episode with a discussion of What Science Says About Astrology, by Carlos Orsi."
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