Gordon Sondland Addresses Fentanyl Crisis and Global Politics on Podcast Episode
On June 10, 2025, the latest episode of the popular podcast 'We're Out of Time' made waves as host Richard Taite welcomed former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondland. As the show continues to gain recognition, ranking #3 in Apple Podcasts' Mental Health category and #6 in Health & Fitness, Sondland's insights have ignited conversations around pressing global issues.
During the episode, Sondland offered a stark and candid analysis of the fentanyl crisis, emphasizing China's role as 'complicit' in the ongoing epidemic. He described how the country doesn't just ignore the crisis but actively supports it by supplying precursor chemicals necessary for production. 'China is assisting in the effort,' Sondland stated, drawing attention to the distressing fact that this drug epidemic is a form of warfare against the United States. He reiterated the severe implications of the crisis: 'They let the enemy kill themselves with that drug.'
Richard Taite, who has gained acclaim for his focus on addiction recovery, acknowledged the complexity of these global decisions and their direct impact on Americans suffering from addiction. He referenced Donald Trump as 'the fentanyl president,' highlighting Trump's prioritization of this critical issue in discussions surrounding trade with China. Sondland supported this view, noting that Trump consistently brings up fentanyl when addressing U.S.-China trade matters, stressing the need for aggressive action against this trade agreement.
Furthermore, Sondland elaborated on Trump's changes to trade policies. He noted the stark shift in approach after decades of unsuccessful negotiations with European partners regarding trade barriers. Trump's threat of imposing a hefty 50% tariff served as a wake-up call, causing Europe to reconsider their stance almost immediately. Sondland asserted, 'The July 9 deadline is real,' indicating that serious consequences would loom if European nations do not negotiate more favorable terms.
The conversation then shifted to the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Sondland shared insights into Trump's strategy regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin. Predicting that Putin would acquire some Ukrainian territory, Sondland insisted that a proactive U.S. approach is necessary. He advocates for a different type of support to Ukraine: 'We flood Ukraine with Americans. Not troops. Business people. Infrastructure builders. Miners. Bankers.' This strategy, he believes, would unequivocally signal to any aggressor that any future attacks on Ukraine would also affect the U.S. directly, not just their allies.
The episode is set against the backdrop of an escalating crisis, with fentanyl addiction continuing to ravage communities across the nation. By using his platform to unveil such a critical and multifaceted issue, Sondland hopes to rally more public awareness and prompt action against the crisis, emphasizing that solutions must be sought actively and urgently.
Tune in to the full episode of 'We're Out of Time' on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to hear more of Gordon Sondland’s insights and Richard Taite's probing questions. Their candid discussion will not only inform but is also poised to ignite meaningful conversations around addiction, global diplomacy, and the necessary steps toward recovery.
For those affected by the addiction crisis, 'We're Out of Time' provides necessary insights, personal stories, and expert opinions that address this ongoing challenge head-on. The podcast features a wide array of guests, including celebrities and experts who've been touched by addiction, highlighting the societal impact and the importance of dialogue in confronting this crisis.