The Crisis Room Was Britain right to roll out the red carpet for Trump?
Sep 18, 2025
Phil Gordon, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and former National Security Advisor, shares his insights on pivotal global issues. He discusses Trump's controversial state visit to the UK, reflecting on its political implications. Gordon delves into how Biden's decisions shaped his legacy and what a Kamala Harris administration might have looked like, particularly in terms of foreign policy. He further critiques U.S. migration policy and its electoral repercussions, while also warning about the dangers of West Bank expansion and the Gaza conflict.
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Ceremony As Diplomatic Tool
- The podcast frames the state visit as choreography: pomp then political talks to secure deals.
- Hosts note large announced US investments may have been timed for the visit, blending pageantry with diplomacy.
Inside A State Dinner
- Amber Rudd recounts attending a state dinner and pre-meeting with the royal family as Home Secretary.
- She describes walking in beside Prince Andrew and being lobbied about RAVEC protection for his daughters.
Pageantry Can Backfire
- Marc Polymeropoulos argues high-level pageantry can look like sycophancy and hurt reputations.
- He worries the royal family's lavish welcome for Trump will be judged harshly by history and allies.