Daily Politics from the New Statesman Emperor Trump and his British courtiers
Oct 15, 2025
Freddie Hayward, an investigative journalist and author, joins to unravel the intricacies of the recent Gaza peace deal. He delves into how figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner played pivotal roles, emphasizing Trump's unusual, emperor-like approach to power. Hayward explores the shift towards privatized diplomacy, where individual influence often outstrips formal institutions. He also discusses the economics behind the deal, revealing how personal ties and financial interests drove the negotiations, with the UK notably sidelined.
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Blair And Kushner In The West Wing
- Tony Blair and Jared Kushner spent eight months developing a Gaza peace plan and entered the West Wing to persuade Trump directly.
- They brought Steve Witkoff and a TBI poll to show Gazans opposed Hamas governing and to sway Trump's thinking.
Power As Personal Patronage
- Trump governs through personal whims and patronage rather than a rules-based order.
- That personal imperial style let him push Netanyahu toward a deal by using his own authority and favour.
Privatized, Personal Diplomacy
- Diplomacy has shifted from institutional channels to private actors like Kushner and Blair operating directly.
- This privatized, personal diplomacy strips protocol and relies on access to Trump's ear and moneyed networks.