To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Susan Glasser: Lame-Duck is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose
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Nov 19, 2025 
Susan Glasser, a noted journalist from The New Yorker, shares her insights on the fallout from a tense Oval Office encounter where Trump defended Mohammed bin Salman amid Khashoggi's murder. She examines the moral implications of Trump's behavior and his escalating attacks on press freedom. The conversation explores the fractures within the MAGA movement, highlighted by Marjorie Taylor Greene's revolt, and warns of a potentially more dangerous lame-duck Trump. They also discuss the troubling mainstreaming of extremist views within Republican politics and its real-world consequences.
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Praise Driven By Transactional Incentives
- Trump lavished praise on MBS largely to curry favor and financial benefit, not on human rights grounds.
- Glasser links the groveling tone to Trump's transactional view of leaders and money.
Oval Office Style Sends A Message
- Trump redecorated the Oval Office with gaudy gold that undermines the White House's modest republican symbolism.
- Glasser argues the engoldification mirrors his monarchical instincts and contempt for founding modesty.
Epstein Files Humiliate Trump
- The House vote to release Epstein files forced Trump to back down after he tried to pressure allies to protect him.
- Glasser recalls Alex Acosta's resignation as a prior example of Epstein-related fallout for Trump allies.