Susan Page – The Queen and Her Presidents
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In this episode of the Brian Kilmeade Show, host Brian Kilmeade welcomes Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief of USA Today and author of the new book *The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped American History*. The conversation begins with a discussion of current political gridlock in Washington, including the record-breaking partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and the contentious gerrymandering battle in Virginia. Page reflects on the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, whose 13 meetings with U.S. presidents—from Eisenhower to Trump—formed a quiet but powerful diplomatic force. She explores how the Queen used personal diplomacy to mend strained relations, particularly after the Suez Crisis, and how her relationships with presidents like Reagan, Clinton, and Trump revealed both warmth and strategic influence. Page also discusses the evolving global landscape, highlighting the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, where Gulf states now prioritize economic stability over ideology and view Iran as a regional threat. The episode closes with reflections on the enduring importance of the U.S.-UK alliance and the challenges facing King Charles as he prepares for his first official visit to the U.S. as monarch.
The Queen’s personal diplomacy played a crucial, often underappreciated role in stabilizing U.S.-UK relations across decades.
Presidents like Reagan and Trump formed genuine personal bonds with the Queen, which influenced their foreign policy approaches.
The U.S.-UK special relationship remains vital, even amid current tensions over NATO and the Middle East.
The Middle East is undergoing a strategic pivot, with Gulf states increasingly aligning with Western interests over ideological concerns.
Iran remains a central and unresolved foreign policy challenge, with public opinion and diplomatic leverage shaping future decisions.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Washington Gridlock and the Record-Setting Shutdown
The episode opens with a discussion of the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, the longest in U.S. history, and the political challenges of passing legislation with a narrow majority in Congress.
Virginia’s Gerrymandering Battle and the Supreme Court’s Role
Page analyzes the controversial gerrymandering map passed in Virginia, which heavily favors Democrats, and discusses the potential constitutional challenges it may face from the Virginia Supreme Court.
The Queen’s Legacy: A Diplomatic Force Across 13 Presidencies
“She met with 13 sitting American presidents—more than anyone else from any country has ever met with—and a record that's unlikely to ever be broken.”
Key Presidential Relationships: Reagan, Trump, and Clinton
“Reagan was, in fact, the president who was the closest to a friend of the queen. They both loved movies. She had seen Reagan as a princess. She had seen Reagan in movies before he ever got into politics.”
The Queen’s Role in Healing Diplomatic Crises
“She didn't negotiate Suez. She just built a relationship with Eisenhower. She was a reminder of the ties between the two countries that had been so important.”
“Reagan was, in fact, the president who was the closest to a friend of the queen. They both loved movies. She had seen Reagan as a princess. She had seen Reagan in movies before he ever got into politics.”
“She met with 13 sitting American presidents—more than anyone else from any country has ever met with—and a record that's unlikely to ever be broken.”
“She didn't negotiate Suez. She just built a relationship with Eisenhower. She was a reminder of the ties between the two countries that had been so important.”
Host
Guest
Queen Elizabeth II
person
United States
place
United Kingdom
place
Iran
place
Susan Page
person
Brian Kilmeade
person
King Charles
person
President Donald Trump
person
Ronald Reagan
person
Department of Homeland Security
organization
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