

Letters from an American
Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson's narrated newsletter about the history behind today's politics. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

37 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 14min
February 4, 2026
Discussion of a push to seize federal control of elections after a surprising Texas state Senate flip. Revelations from Epstein files about Steve Bannon's influence and image laundering. Tracing long-running GOP myths about immigrant voting and the origins of 'Stop the Steal.' Historical parallels to the 1898 Wilmington coup and how racial politics shape modern fraud claims.

64 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 15min
February 3, 2026
Coverage of a judge pausing the termination of Haiti's TPS and the legal fight over procedure versus ideology. Discussion of the economic and community role of TPS holders. Poll results showing Democratic momentum and public reactions to ICE and Border Patrol tactics. Reports on DOJ internal moves, a controversial raid on an election office, and fallout from presidential actions affecting the Kennedy Center.

37 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 10min
February 1, 2026
A walk through key February anniversaries, from Julia Ward Howe composing the Battle Hymn of the Republic to the 13th Amendment's passage. Civil rights milestones like the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins and the origin of Black History Month are highlighted. Recent debates over public memory, removals of slavery exhibits, federal raids and protests, and how protestors reused the hymn's tune are also discussed.

59 snips
Feb 1, 2026 • 17min
January 31, 2026
A deep look at Stephen Miller's proposal for an imported labor class and its echoes of 19th century 'mudsill' arguments. A contrast with Lincoln's free labor idea and a reflection on how founding ideals clash with racial hierarchy. Discussion of elite impunity tied to the Epstein revelations and recent political maneuvers, plus scenes of federal force and a surprising Texas election upset.

37 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 14min
January 30, 2026
Reports on federal arrests of independent journalists tied to a church protest and controversial legal maneuvers around warrants. Discussion of First Amendment concerns and political messaging around race. Coverage of partial DOJ release of Epstein files, redactions, and notable names mentioned. Mentions a proposed downtown car race around national monuments and large protests against federal immigration enforcement.

20 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 12min
January 29, 2026
Discussion of Senate splits over DHS funding amid outrage about ICE and Border Patrol conduct. Coverage of Democratic demands for reforms like body cameras and independent investigations. Accounts of incidents that sparked public anger and reactions from former presidents. Reporting on investigations into 2020 election claims and a major lawsuit over leaked tax documents.

26 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 16min
January 28,2026
A sharp look at federal agents' use of force in multiple cities and the political motives linked to it. Allegations that the Justice Department obstructed killings investigations and Democrats pressing for documents. Court rebukes over ICE ignoring orders and local prosecutors organizing against federal overreach. National fallout includes polling shifts, cultural responses, and controversies over voter roll demands and ballot seizures.

89 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 17min
January 27, 2026
The episode tracks federal agents' violent actions in Minneapolis and the national uproar they triggered. It covers how the death of Alex Preddy reshaped congressional fights over DHS funding. It highlights ICE practices from custody deaths to data collection on protesters and international backlash. It also examines political fallout, investigations, and heightened rhetoric from leaders.

47 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 13min
January 26, 2026
Coverage of federal involvement in Minneapolis after the killing of a nurse and the political fallout. Discussions of calls to invoke the Insurrection Act and deployments to the city. Examination of Republican divisions, investigations being demanded, and morale problems among immigration officers. Reports on social media suspensions, tariff increases on South Korea, and local leaders pushing back on federal tactics.

53 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 15min
January 25, 2026
A deep dive into the killing of VA nurse Alex Preddy by federal agents and the tangled federal narrative that followed. Examination of Minnesota community responses, patrols, and political tensions. Coverage of Republican infighting, former officials' condemnations, and how national groups and athletes have reacted. Discussion of polling and editorials urging a pause in federal operations.


