Trump’s recent meetings with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have raised urgent questions about America’s role in global affairs and the future of the war in Ukraine. Atlantic staff writer and national security expert Tom Nichols joins Preet to break down what’s at stake: the fragility of Western unity, the history behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and whether Trump can—or even wants to—deliver peace. They also discuss Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent social media tactics and what effective opposition to Trump looks like.

Then, Preet answers your questions about Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security prison, and asks for your thoughts on Newsom’s posting.

In the bonus for Insiders, Nichols discusses the redistricting battles happening around the country.

Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without the hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work.

Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. 

You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE’s Youtube channel and subscribe.

Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Editorial Producer: Noa Azulai; Associate Producer: Claudia Hernández; Deputy Editor: Celine Rohr; Supervising Producer: Jake Kaplan; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio Producers: Matthew Billy and Nat Weiner; Marketing Manager: Liana Greenway.

REFERENCES & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: 

• Tom Nichols, “Trump Keeps Defending Russia,” The Atlantic, 8/19/25