The Queen & the Presidents

In this episode of The Brian Lehrer Show, USA Today's Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses her new book, *The Queen and Her Presidents*, which explores Queen Elizabeth II's nuanced and influential relationships with U.S. presidents from Harry Truman to Donald Trump. Page reveals how the Queen, often underestimated as a ceremonial figure, wielded significant soft power through her deep access to classified intelligence, including Britain's Weekly Intelligence Summary and nuclear contingency planning, giving her unparalleled insight into global affairs. She shares intimate anecdotes—such as the awkward kiss between Jimmy Carter and the Queen Mother, the tense yet revealing dinner with Jackie Kennedy, and the Queen’s quiet but profound influence on leaders like Eisenhower and Obama. Page also examines the Queen’s complex legacy on colonialism and reparations, noting her emotional ties to Africa and her role in strengthening the U.S.-UK 'special relationship' even after her death, as seen in King Charles’s trade deal with Trump. The conversation shifts to current politics, with Page analyzing Congress’s lack of oversight on the Iran war, the potential for Democratic-led hearings, and the political implications of Viktor Orban’s defeat and Trump’s controversial 'Jesus' image. Despite the monarchy’s challenges, Page argues the Queen’s diplomatic legacy remains a quiet but enduring force in international relations.