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Uncommon Knowledge

H.R. McMaster on Why the Trump Administration Was “At War with Ourselves” | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution

Sep 3, 2024
H.R. McMaster, a retired Army lieutenant general and former national security advisor, reflects on his tumultuous time in the Trump administration. He discusses the internal conflicts and differing agendas within the White House, emphasizing the challenges of candid communication with the president. McMaster shares insights from his experiences, including how Stoic philosophy influenced his decision-making. He also contrasts Trump’s leadership style with historical figures and addresses the importance of rebuilding trust in American institutions amidst political turmoil.
57:16

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Quick takeaways

  • H.R. McMaster emphasizes the importance of the National Security Council in providing the president with diverse perspectives for informed decision-making.
  • The internal dynamics of the Trump White House featured intense conflicts and competing agendas, significantly hindering collaboration among staff members.

Deep dives

Navigating Relationships with Trump

General H.R. McMaster describes the complexities of his relationship with President Donald Trump during his tenure as National Security Advisor. He often found himself in a position where he had to present truths that the president did not want to hear, which ultimately created friction between them. Over time, those dynamics were exacerbated by individuals around the president who preferred to exert influence by shaping decisions for their own agendas rather than Trump’s. This challenging environment led McMaster to feel that he became 'used up' by the role, suggesting that a constant battle for the president's ear wore down their professional rapport.

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