Judging Freedom LtCOL. Tony Shaffer: Is Trump Neocon or America First?
May 15, 2025
Lieutenant Colonel Tony Shaffer, a former intelligence officer and national security commentator, dives into the tensions between neoconservatism and Trump's America First strategy. He humorously critiques the shifting positions on military intervention, especially regarding Ukraine and Russia. The conversation also sparks insight into Iran's nuclear agreements and the inefficiencies in U.S. defense spending, highlighting Trump's controversial acceptance of gifts. Shaffer offers a detailed look at the complexities of international relations and defense reforms.
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Neocon Influence vs America First
- Neocon advisors persist in pushing Trump toward military intervention despite his America First stance.
- Effective defense should focus on protecting the U.S., not engaging in endless foreign conflicts.
Military Force and Deep State Interests
- Both Democrats and Republicans show military-first instincts driven by deep state interests.
- Perpetual overseas wars distract from domestic issues, benefiting entrenched powers.
Understanding Russia's Security Concerns
- Russia’s actions are motivated by security paranoia, not ambitions to conquer Western Europe.
- Understanding cultural and historical context is key to realistic negotiation solutions.