Trump’s war and Melania’s Epstein statement, with US editor Betsy Reed – The Latest

In this episode of The Latest, host Lucy Hough speaks with Betsy Reed, editor of The Guardian US, about the unusual political maneuvers within Trumpland. They begin with Melania Trump's unexpected speech aimed at distancing herself from Jeffrey Epstein, which left many, including Fox News commentators, puzzled due to its lack of apparent political benefit. Reed speculates that the speech may have been a preemptive strike against a potentially damaging story, though no evidence supports this theory.

The discussion then shifts to the ongoing conflict in Iran, characterized by Trump's increasingly provocative rhetoric. Reed notes that while support for the war is surprisingly stable among the American public, significant disenchantment is growing among independent and moderate voters. They address the calls for invoking the 25th amendment regarding Trump's fitness for office, indicating a rising concern over his mental state and the hostile nature of his public statements.

Hough and Reed also reflect on the recent political developments in the U.S. and express cautious optimism regarding the upcoming midterm elections. The episode emphasizes the potential for greater accountability and scrutiny of Trump's administration if the Democrats regain control of the House. Reed highlights how themes of corruption and accountability are likely to resonate with voters, paralleling the political dynamics in Hungary under Viktor Orban. They conclude with a hopeful note about the political future, particularly around local governance shifts, as exemplified by the recent achievements of New York Mayor, Zoran Mamdani.