Andrea Mitchell on What the Headlines Aren’t Telling Us
Andrea Mitchell keeps our nation informed.
For nearly six decades, the veteran NBC News Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent—whose longtime show, “Andrea Mitchell Reports,” was a mainstay in American homes—has been delivering the news with her signature precision and spirit. She’s asked presidents and dictators questions, sat across from survivors and protestors, and offered insight into some of the most convoluted events in policy, intelligence, and foreign affairs.
People turn to Mitchell—and that’s what we did this week. Given the imploding nature of so many stories, on US soil and foreign grounds, we sought her skilled insight to help us make sense of this moment. We asked, and Mitchell delivered.
A CONVERSATION WITH ANDREA MITCHELL
Let’s please anchor this conversation in this moment and what we’re seeing—starting with how President Trump says his power as commander-in-chief is only limited by his own morality, not international law, nor treaties. Considering all that you’ve seen as a journalist, covering presidents and foreign policy across the globe, what do Mr. Trump’s actions mean, and have you ever seen this before?
President Trump has a unique approach to foreign policy, which creates challenges for allies and adversaries alike. In some cases, that creates the possibility of breakthroughs, potentially, like the Abraham Accords which could transform the Middle East. Or achieving a ceasefire and the return of hostages from Gaza. But as a disrupter of norms, part of his appeal to his base, he also could undermine decades of post-war institutions that have led to peace and prosperity in the west, such as the global trade regimes and NATO. Because he speaks so often both in public and on social media, it can also be difficult to assess how intentional some of his comments are in the moment. He keeps all of us very busy!
Mr. Trump has been talking about Greenland, the Panama Canal, military action in Venezuela, pressure on Mexico and Cuba, and confrontation with Iran. When you've seen presidents push boundaries before, what usually happens? What does or does not stop them?
Presidents are usually deterred by wise counsel from their advisors, often the National Security Advisor, Secretaries of State and Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and intelligence experts— experienced men and women in defense, national security, diplomacy and intelligence. President Trump relies more on his own experiences and instincts. By most accounts, most of his cabinet members are less experienced and less likely to challenge him. He has not assembled what could in any way be described as a “Team of Rivals.” By definition, people who are elected president usually have very large egos. Donald Trump, who did not emerge from the worlds of either politics or public service, is by all accounts more self-confident than most of his predecessors.
Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado last Thursday, and she gave him her Nobel Peace Prize. What is that underlying message that's critical for citizens to know there?
The extraordinary gesture of Maria Corina Machado to present her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump as an offering was humiliating for the opposition leader, celebrated for her courage and convictions. It was also a “tell” about how foreign leaders feel they have to flatter Trump in order to secure his favor. In this case, although he has repeatedly talked about how much he feels he is deserving of the Nobel – and is clearly rankled by the fact that President Obama was awarded it early in his presidency — by his own admission, without accomplishing enough to earn it. The Nobel committee issued a statement saying the prize cannot be transferred. In that sense, it becomes little more than another decorative piece in the Oval Office, although one that is actually gold. Its purely symbolic nature reinforces that the administration has chosen Maduro Vice President Darcy Rodriguez to lead Venezuela, emphasizing continuity rather than regime change and oil economics over democracy.
The president is threatening military action if Iran executes protestors, But here on US soil, a mother was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis. How do you make sense of that contradiction, championing protesters abroad while cracking down on dissent at home?
Right now, Trump seems to be heeding the caution expressed by Arab partners and Israel that military strikes would not achieve regime change in Iran, and that Iran could retaliate with a missile barrage against U.S. bases and regional allies. He is seizing on diplomatic assurances from Iran that they have at least temporarily halted executions. There is a fundamental difference between his approach to Iran and his determination to respond aggressively to domestic protests. Despite growing political criticism of the tactics used in Minnesota and elsewhere by ICE and other federal law enforcement, he has – so far – expressed confidence in their policies. And in his powerful Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who is driving them.
Journalism and journalists have always faced being targeted, but there’s an intense heat and disrespect felt from this administration. Last week, we saw how Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home was searched by the FBI. As a journalist, how did you respond to this news?
There is widespread agreement that the search broke precedent since the FBI acknowledged that Hannah Natanson is not a target of a criminal investigation. It certainly set off alarm bells in the media about the administration’s approach to what had been regarded as first amendment protections.
For people who want to stay well informed, what should we keep on eye on that may not be obvious right now?
People who want to be well informed should make sure they are not restricting themselves to single sources of information or becoming trapped in niches. They should open themselves to multiple sources of information and try to reach independent judgments, as well as remaining open to different points of view. We all have to resist the polarization that is dividing our country.
Andrea, having covered this world for so long, how do you make sense of this moment for yourself?
Honestly, this is an unprecedented time for journalism–and for everyone. We are approaching the anniversary of the 250th year of our democracy and it would be useful to reread what the Founders wrote about the importance of our freedoms. Social media can be liberating but also dangerously misleading. I turn to valued sources and also look for ways to take mental breaks with music, art, family and friendships. Great literature, the Bible and other spiritual readings are good resources for many. We have to remember that we are all struggling with similar daily challenges. Make an effort to reach across political and cultural divides. My faith also teaches me the value and obligation of charitable works and mentoring. It is great for the soul.
Andrea Mitchell is the NBC News Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent. She is also the author of Talking Back. . . to Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels. Find her latest reports here.
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