The Rest Is Politics 493. Trump Insults NATO Troops
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Jan 23, 2026 
Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director and financier turned commentator, reflects on Trump, NATO and US politics from firsthand experience. He reacts to Trump’s remarks about allied troops. He dissects the psychology behind the attacks and debates how NATO leaders should respond. He weighs risks to the Western alliance and the political fallout ahead.
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Denigrating NATO Harms Longstanding Trust
- Donald Trump's dismissal of NATO sacrifices reveals a broader pattern of undermining alliances.
- Alastair Campbell argues this rhetoric is 'disgusting' and damages trust built over decades.
Firsthand Visits To Troops In Afghanistan
- Anthony Scaramucci recounts visiting Afghanistan and meeting NATO soldiers to thank them.
- He says most Americans support the alliance and apologizes on their behalf for Trump's remarks.
Humiliation As A Political Strategy
- Scaramucci interprets Trump's attacks as stemming from deep insecurity and a need to humiliate.
- He links this behaviour to Trump seeking dominance and 'mini-me' followers at Davos.