The Daily Beast Podcast Trump Is Most 'Impotent' President In A Lifetime
7 snips
Jun 14, 2025 
David Rothkopf, a former Clinton administration official and editor of Foreign Policy magazine, joins to discuss the chaos of U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He scrutinizes the conflicting narratives surrounding Israel's military actions against Iran and Trump’s confused responses. Rothkopf critiques Trump's business-centric approach to diplomacy, labeling him the 'most impotent president in living memory,' and warns that America’s standing has weakened under his leadership. He emphasizes that the current administration's inner circle leaves the nation isolated, prompting laughter from adversaries.
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U.S. Caught Off-Guard by Israel Strike
- The U.S. government was likely unaware of Israel's Iran strike until shortly before it happened.
- Netanyahu likely acted independently, catching the U.S. administration flat-footed and scrambling.
Golf Buddy Envoy Fails Diplomacy
- Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff lacks foreign policy expertise and is ineffective in negotiating.
- Witkoff's approach suits real estate but fails in complex international conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
Trump's Deal-Maker Style Fails
- Trump lacks government experience, humility, and intellectual curiosity necessary for successful foreign policy.
- The businessman 'dealmaker' approach fails in government where motives and timescales differ vastly from business.