CounterPunch Exclusives

CounterPunch Exclusives

The New York Times Finally Has “Fresh Doubts” About Trump’s Diplomacy

Photograph by Nathaniel St. Clair

Fifteen months into the worst presidency in American history, the New York Times has finally acknowledged that Donald Trump’s war with Iran has “tested the limits of his unorthodox diplomatic style,” and raised “fresh doubt about his freestyle tactics.”  While the Times prides itself on reporting “All the News That is Fit to Print,” it has spent more than a year downplaying the unfit personnel appointed to national security positions, the policies that have seriously damaged relations with key allies, and the destruction of any responsible national security process.

Even before Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, it was obvious that men and women were being appointed to key national security positions they were not fit to occupy.  While former senator Marco Rubio might have appeared qualified, he has used his positions as secretary of state and national security adviser to strengthen Trump’s campaign to deport activist foreign students studying at American universities.  Since his appointment, the Department of State has played no role in key diplomatic matters.

Nearly all of our key international issues have been managed, indeed mismanaged, by two billionaire real estate operatives, Steve Wytkoff and Jared Kushner, who have earned the United States no credibility or respect in the global community.  Vice President J.D. Vance has defended the work of Wytkoff and Kushner,........

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