457. Is Trump Planning Regime Change?
9 October 2025
Podcast
20 May 2024
Why did the Tory Party choose to make Liz Truss and Boris Johnson prime minister? How does it feel to be the second shortest-serving chancellor in post-war history? What was the true thinking behind the disastrous Truss-Kwarteng mini-budget?
On today's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined for the second and final episode of their conversation with former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng.
TRIP Plus:
Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes.
Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.
TRIP ELECTION TOUR:
To buy tickets for our October Election Tour, just head to www.therestispolitics.com
Instagram:
Twitter:
Email:
Podcast Editor: Nathan Copelin
Video Editor: Teo Ayodeji-Ansell
Social Producer: Jess Kidson
Assistant Producer: Fiona Douglas
Producer: Nicole Maslen
Senior Producer: Dom Johnson
Head of Content: Tom Whiter
Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 minute(s) read
Recent Podcasts
457. Is Trump Planning Regime Change?
Why is Trump attacking Venezuelan ships? Are the Greens turning protest into real political power? And, will France create a sixth Republic? The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy.... Continue9 October 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
456. Antisemitism, How the Tories Lost Britain, and Gaza
Why is antisemitism on the rise in the UK? Can Trump’s Gaza plan ever provide a just and lasting peace? Why does Rory think the Conservative Party is on a doomed path? Join Rory and Alasta... Continue8 October 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s diary: How to spot the charlatans
Moisés Naím’s new book unpacks how these snake-oil shysters deceive the public... Continue8 October 2025
156. Defence Secretary, John Healey: Is Britain Ready For War?
What tactic did Donald Trump steal from Gordon Brown? What can we learn from when Labour beat UKIP in the 2012 Rotherham by-election when it comes to taking on Farage? As a New Labour alumnus... Continue6 October 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
455. Question Time: Is Europe Already At War With Russia?
Is Europe already at war with Russia — without admitting it? Are the Netherlands still a serious player in Europe? And, should national parks be reshaped for the modern age? Join Rory and ... Continue2 October 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s diary: Don’t take Curtis Yarvin seriously
Yarvin believes liberal democracy has failed and that monarchy should replace it. He just has absolutely no idea how to achieve this... Continue1 October 2025
454. Starmer’s Farage Fightback and Trump’s Unworkable Gaza Plan
Is it too late for Starmer to turn things around? Is Labour talking too much about immigration, and not enough about the cost of living? How can Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza lead to a Pales... Continue30 September 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China
Why does the former Secretary of State think the US is going too soft on Russia and China? What was it like working closely with President Trump? Why did Putin invade Europe under Obama and B... Continue29 September 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Both interviews very interesting, thank you. Im impressed by Kwasi’s frankness but flabbergasted by his casual attitude – the lack of serious consideration in his decision making in the face of clear evidence, even when he had serious doubts about people (Truss, Johnson) and policies (Brexit, Mini-budget), that he was fronting is appalling – despite the known impact his decisions will have on the economy and people of the country. It’s like an intellectual game to see what might happen and if it’s a disaster so be it – no thought for the victims. I’m afraid it speaks to a background of privilege and comfort that overrides his undoubted intelligence. This culture of ‘I’m alright Jack’ in conservative politics with its lack of any moral compass whatsoever has been characteristic of the current government over the last 15 years. It has gone way beyond the economy and created serious schisms and dangers which will take years to recover from, if ever. He will now walk away and indulge himself by writing another book or working in the city while thousand of lives are ruined by his wrecklessness.
To him it all seems to be a big laugh.
He was as disappointing as I imagined he’d be.
My family are suffering thanks to his and Liz Truss’ budget and I wanted to try to understand his reasoning but
he came across to me as deficient and despicable.