Letters from an American February 12, 2026
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Feb 14, 2026 A rundown of White House moves to revive coal and roll back climate safeguards. Discussion of regulatory reversals tied to oil and private deals shaping policy. Coverage of alleged intercepted talks about foreign funding and sudden high-level firings. Examination of secrecy fights over congressional files, withheld DOJ materials, and concerns about private influence on public power.
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Climate Rollback And Its Hidden Costs
- The Trump administration is actively reversing climate regulations and boosting coal to increase emissions and favor industry interests.
- Heather Cox Richardson connects policy changes to rising U.S. carbon emissions and the administration's claim of economic savings that ignore climate and health costs.
Mar-a-Lago Fundraising Promise
- Heather Cox Richardson recounts a 2024 Mar-a-Lago exchange where Trump told oil executives to raise $1 billion for his campaign in return for deregulation.
- She uses that example to illustrate how campaign promises translated into industry-friendly policy once he took office.
Public Decisions Tied To Private Interests
- Trump used threats about the Gordie Howe Bridge shortly after calls from a billionaire with competing bridge interests.
- Richardson frames this as an example of administration actions aligning with private financial interests over neutral governance.