Letters from an American February 17, 2026
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Feb 18, 2026 Discussion of how white Christian nationalism is reshaping U.S. foreign relations and driving European defense realignment. Reports on shifting global economic alliances and consequences of U.S. trade and tariff policies. Coverage of labor-market strains, immigration-driven workforce changes, and rising commercial real estate risks. Notes expanding military strikes, defense investments tied to a political family, and growing public backlash against extremism.
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Golden Age Rhetoric, Global Isolation
- Heather Cox Richardson observes the Trump White House framing its rule as a "Golden Age" while pursuing white Christian nationalism abroad and at home.
- This shift isolates the U.S. diplomatically and undermines long-standing alliances and strategic advantages.
Allies Move To Strategic Independence
- European and middle-power leaders are actively reducing dependence on the U.S. for defense and trade coordination.
- Canada, Germany, France, and India are forging alternatives that reorient supply chains and military cooperation away from Washington.
U.S. Markets Lag Global Momentum
- Trump bets on tariffs and trade abandonment to lever U.S. economic power, but global markets are simply moving on.
- U.S. stock gains lag broader international performance despite domestic bragging about the market.