New York University / CNN
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University and a contributor to CNN. Her latest book is Italian Fascism's Empire Cinema.
PROFILE
Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Guest
FROM Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Trump meets with Putin next week President Trump is scheduled to sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on Monday. Their meeting has taken on more significance this week, and not just because of today’s indictments of 12 Russians. Trump disparaged fellow NATO countries at the alliance’s meeting this week, and mused on Twitter about what good it serves. Then while visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May, a tabloid quoted him slamming her Brexit strategy.
To the Point
President Trump and the alt-right: a test of leadership After two days of demands for "moral clarity" — from black leaders to conservative Republican Senators — President Trump delivered a new statement on racism – but only after he listed a few of his economic achievements.
To the Point
President Donald Trump's 'un-reality' show All Presidents lie. But the current White House incumbent is using misinformation to increase his power by intentionally creating confusion. That's according to students of political strategy and the rhetoric that supports it. They compare President Trump to autocrats of history -- and Russia's Vladimir Putin. We're all familiar with "alternative facts," and allegations of "fake news" — stoking the conservative base and infuriating liberal opponents. Our series on the "Emotional States of America" continues.
Recommended
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
What happens when America retreats from the world? Is President Trump taking his "America First" agenda to extremes, withdrawing the country from the international stage on trade and climate change, distancing America from its traditional allies across the Atlantic and even threatening to physically isolate the country through the building of a wall along its southern border? León Krauze guest hosts.
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.