Letters from an American
History
About
Heather Cox Richardson's narrated newsletter about the history behind today's politics.
Episodes
- Mothers' Day
The episode discusses the origin of Mothers' Day, focusing on Julia Ward Howe's response to war in the 1870s and the women's suffrage movement. It highlights women's roles in the Civil War and their subsequent fight for political enfranchi…
- Look, Ma. A U.F.O!
This episode covers a range of topics including Trump and UFO stories. It also touches on issues related to transportation, government contracts, the cost of war, FEMA's operations, and environmental regulations.
- Gerrymandering Arms Race
The episode focuses on gerrymandering in Tennessee and other Republican-dominated states. It also mentions a CIA report regarding the Trump administration's military claims and other political events.
- Hidden Costs
This episode of Letters from an American, titled "Hidden Costs," discusses governmental restrictions on satellite imagery, alleged insider trading following a presidential announcement, and branded bourbon promotional items.
- A Ballroom Bait and Switch
The episode examines Republican funding for a White House addition, comparing it to Reagan-era economic policies. It also addresses changes in social programs and increased funding for immigration enforcement, including anticipated deporta…
- Trump's "Mini War"
This episode from Letters from an American is titled "Trump's \"Mini War.\"" The content focuses on issues related to Trump's \"Mini War.\"
- Gilding the Capital
This episode focuses on Trump's "beautification" projects in D.C. and the launch of "Project Freedom." It also covers Trump's reaction to critical comments from European leaders on the Iranian war and election fearmongering.
- Ten Great American Horses
This episode, released on May 2, 2026, features "Ten Great American Horses" including Traveller, Comanche, Beautiful Jim Key, Man o’ War, Trigger, Sergeant Reckless, Mr. Ed, Black Jack, Khartoum, and Secretariat. It coincides with the Runn…
- Will We Choose the Rule of Law?
This episode of "Letters from an American" delves into the Trump administration's actions regarding the Iran War and its implications for the War Powers Act. It examines the constitutional power of Congress to declare war versus the Presid…
- A New Low
This episode of Letters from an American covers a range of current events including a new low in Trump's approval rating, rising gas prices, developments in Iran, and the implications of a Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v Callais.
- Two Speeches
In this episode, Donald Trump and King Charles give different speeches in Washington D.C. Trump discusses the US and the Atlantic Charter, while King Charles describes American founding principles and calls for support for Ukraine.
- Questionable Claims
The episode discusses the Administration's response to an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Trump's reaction, and legal actions concerning his proposed White House ballroom. It also covers the ongoing stalemate in Iran, r…
- The Ballroom Distraction
The episode discusses the DOJ's demand for the National Trust to drop its lawsuit against the Trump White House ballroom, with Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate citing a shooting as justification. It also covers a $17.4 million no-b…
- White House Correspondents' Dinner
This episode discusses Donald Trump's attendance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, his administration's relationship with the press, and the historical context of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA). It covers the ri…
- Establishing the United Nations
Delegates from 50 nations met on April 25, 1945, to establish the United Nations. Building on principles from the 1941 Atlantic Charter and the Declaration by United Nations, the Dumbarton Oaks Proposal was drafted in 1944. The UN Charter,…
- Purges at the Pentagon
This episode discusses the political climate surrounding the Pentagon, including calls for the Navy Secretary's resignation and Deputy Defense Secretary's proposed takeover of shipbuilding and acquisitions. It also covers Republican legisl…
- The Fight Over Gerrymandering
The episode discusses a Virginia judge's ruling on a redistricting amendment and the subsequent challenge by the state's attorney general. It also examines the history of partisan gerrymandering, drawing parallels to events preceding the C…
- A New Low
This episode covers Trump's confusing statements regarding Iran and US-Iran relations, including a ceasefire extension that Iran deemed meaningless. It also touches on his sinking approval ratings and domestic political challenges, such as…
- Fecklessly Failing
This episode discusses the ongoing situation in the Iran War, including a pending ceasefire expiration, reports of insider trading, and complications surrounding Jared Kushner's diplomatic role. It also covers concerns regarding Kash Patel…
- Could the King Be Checked By the People?
This episode of Letters from an American discusses the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1776, which began the Revolutionary War. It covers the colonists' subsequent declaration asserting their right to legal equality and self-…
- Damage
This April 18, 2026 episode of Letters from an American covers the brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Iran's refusal of further talks with the US, and expected persistent high oil prices.…
- Crises in the Wings
The episode discusses a 10-day ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz between Israel and Lebanon, Trump's declaration of the war with Iran being over despite conflicting statements from Iranian negotiators, and reports on the FBI's Kash Patel.…
- The Republicans Seem Frantic
The episode discusses the Republican party's frantic efforts to gain political ground amidst various crises, including Trump's erratic behavior and rising oil prices. It touches on targeting Minnesota with mining bans and internal party dy…
- Now He Belongs to the Ages
The episode details the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater. It discusses the political aftermath, including Andrew Johnson's actions, Congressional resistance, and the shift in Confed…
- The Changing Political Game
This episode discusses the political shifts following Viktor Orbán's loss of control in Hungary, and its potential impact on US politics. It also covers developments regarding Donald Trump's public image, legislative efforts concerning pre…
- Restore America to Its Own People
This episode examines the Hungarian election victory of Péter Magyar and the subsequent rejection of Viktor Orbán’s political model. It also discusses the historical and ideological parallels between the modern Republican Party, figures li…
- Trump’s Broken Promises
Inflation reaches 3.3% due to the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. J.D. Vance
- Attack on Fort Sumter
Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, after seven Southern states seceded and formed a government based on racial inequality. This attack prompted President Lincoln to call for troops, initiating the Civil War, which u…
- Has Something Shifted?
This episode of Letters from an American covers Donald Trump's alleged genocidal threats towards Iran, his support for Hungary's Viktor Orban, and increasing pushback against Trump's actions.
- Falling Apart
The episode discusses a fictional ceasefire falling apart, with Israel continuing its actions in Lebanon and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. It covers political maneuvers in Washington and commentary on social media.
- Meeting at Appomattox
The episode describes the meeting between Generals Grant and Lee at Appomattox on April 9 to negotiate the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Grant agreed to supply provisions for Lee's soldiers, highlighting the contribution of o…
- Trump’s Mad and Desperate Threats
This episode of Letters from an American, titled "Trump’s Mad and Desperate Threats," discusses threats made by Donald Trump. Full access to the podcast is available via subscription.
- Lies and Non Sequiturs
This episode discusses President Trump's alleged lies and non sequiturs during the White House Easter Egg Roll and a press conference, where he made alarming statements about Iran. It also contrasts his actions with the governing approach…
- The President’s Ultimatums
This episode discusses Donald Trump's social media threats against Iran, potential war crimes, and possible stock market manipulation. It also touches on concerns raised by senators, journalists, and others regarding Trump's cognitive stat…
- Exerting Their Will
The episode discusses the dismissal of the US Army chief of staff by Pete Hegseth and Iran shooting down a US fighter jet and helicopter. An airman was rescued following the incident.
- NATO
This episode discusses NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, created on April 4, 1949, as a peacetime alliance for collective security in Western Europe. Initially formed to counter Soviet aggression, the alliance now includes 32 m…
- Administration is Feeling Pressure
This episode discusses the pressure on the administration regarding domestic programs, DHS's use of agents in immigration sweeps, and personnel changes including the firing of the Attorney General.
- The Legacy of Birthright Citizenship
This episode discusses the history and legal foundation of birthright citizenship in the United States, rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment. It references the Supreme Court
- Unbelievably Irresponsible
This episode of Letters from an American is titled 'Unbelievably Irresponsible'. More details about the episode content are available via the provided subscription link.
- The Whims of a Single Man
This episode discusses the political landscape, focusing on Trump's actions regarding Iran, economic indicators like oil prices, and Republican proposals for healthcare spending cuts. It examines the impact of a single individual's decisio…
- Turning Out For History
The episode discusses attempts to rewrite American history by altering federal historic sites and museums, as seen with the Smithsonian Institution and the White House's response to January 6. It highlights public resistance through "No Ki…
- Republican Governance in This Era
This episode of Letters from an American focuses on the challenges faced by Republican governance due to the unpopularity of Trump and MAGA extremism. It covers the ongoing TSA funding debate, Republican voting patterns, and Trump's demand…
- The Change in the World Order
This episode discusses how Singapore's Prime Minister perceives Donald Trump's actions as having fundamentally changed the world order. It details Trump's alignment with international oligarchs, his decisions regarding Iran, and the potent…
- Taking It to the States
This episode discusses concerns about Donald Trump's knowledge of the Iran War, DOJ evidence regarding his misuse of classified documents, and contrasts the legislative strategies of Democrats and Republicans at the state level, drawing a…
- Deception, Distortion, and Destruction
This episode of Letters from an American covers allegations of treason related to national secrets, critiques Trump's impact on Washington D.C.'s design, and details the administration's actions against renewable energy and the ongoing air…
- What News Do We Trust?
The episode covers Trump's shifting statements on the war in Iran, including market impact and negotiations. It also touches on social media commentary and unanswered questions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Under Pressure
The episode discusses President Trump's defense of his actions concerning an attack on Iran and the lifting of sanctions. It also covers DHS corruption allegations and reporting on the Epstein scandal.
- The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
This episode discusses the historical context of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, highlighting their role in abolishing slavery and enshrining principles of equality in the Constitution following the Civil War.
- Global Disruption and the War in Iran
The March 20, 2026 episode of Letters from an American discusses the Iran war's impact, including the largest global oil supply disruption to date, Trump's criticism of NATO, and rising inflation. The conflict's unpopularity and economic c…
- Cover-ups and Dodges
This episode discusses alleged cover-ups by the DOJ regarding the Trump administration and Jeffrey Epstein. It also covers evasive responses from officials regarding Iran, intelligence sharing, and potential privacy violations related to d…