Trump Says the US Should 'Take Over the Gaza Strip'
Feb 5, 2025
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Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security advisor to President Obama and co-host of Crooked’s ‘Pod Save the World’, provides keen insights into Trump's erratic foreign policy. He discusses the controversial proposal for U.S. control over Gaza and what it means for Palestinian refugees. Rhodes highlights the chaos surrounding Trump's tariff decisions and the ripple effects on America’s global standing. Additionally, he touches on the implications of aggressive policies in regions like Greenland and Panama. It's a deep dive into international relations under a turbulent administration.
Trump's foreign policy has become unpredictable, characterized by tariff threats and proposals likely to exacerbate geopolitical tensions.
The potential dismantling of USAID could undermine U.S. humanitarian efforts globally, allowing adversaries like China to expand their influence.
Deep dives
The Unpredictability of Trump’s Foreign Policy
President Trump's foreign policy has been characterized by inconsistency, especially regarding tariffs. He has threatened tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China, but while he has delayed tariffs on the first two, the tariffs on China are already in effect. This has prompted China to retaliate with tariffs on American coal and agricultural machinery, resulting in an ongoing tariff war. Trump's fluctuating views on tariffs highlight a larger trend in his foreign policy, which appears to prioritize immediate goals over long-term consequences.
Controversial Statements About Gaza
Trump's recent comments suggesting that Palestinians should leave Gaza have sparked significant political backlash. These statements are politically sensitive as many Palestinians fear displacement could lead to a permanent loss of their homes. Countries like Egypt and Jordan, which Trump has suggested could take in Palestinian refugees, lack the resources to absorb large numbers of people. This proposal seems to align with the desires of certain Israeli factions looking to establish control over Gaza, complicating any potential resolution to the situation.
The Implications of Dismantling USAID
The proposed dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) raises concern about the country's role in global humanitarian efforts. USAID plays a critical role in providing food aid and emergency assistance, essential for responding to global crises such as famines and natural disasters. If these operations are curtailed, adversaries like China may fill the void, expanding their influence in regions where the U.S. has traditionally been active. The significance of USAID extends beyond humanitarianism, as it is also vital in addressing national security through development programs that stabilize conflict areas.
We’re a little over two weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term, and already his foreign policy doctrine could be generously described as “all over the place.” From threatening to levy huge tariffs on our close allies only to delay them at the last minute to dismantling foreign aid efforts alongside the world’s richest man to now volunteering the U.S. to take control of Gaza, it’s all been a bit hard to keep up with. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor to President Obama and co-host of Crooked’s ‘Pod Save the World,’ stopped by the studio to talk about the ripple effects of Trump’s early foreign policy decisions.
And in headlines: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard inched closer to Senate confirmation, The Trump administration is preparing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, and a D.C. Superior Court judge handed over The Proud Boys’ trademark to a Black church that had been vandalized by members of the far-right group.