The World According to Trump (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson) | The Chris Hedges Report

Nov 8, 2024

Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, a retired Army colonel and former chief of staff to Colin Powell, joins the discussion with his wealth of experience on American foreign policy. He predicts a Trump presidency will emphasize a reluctance for war yet notes his unwavering support for Israel, raising fears of a potential conflict with Iran. The conversation delves into the ideological rifts within Trump’s administration, the U.S. military’s discontent, and the complex impact of nationalism on foreign policy strategy, particularly concerning Ukraine and the Middle East.

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INSIGHT

Trump and the Military

Trump triggers animus within the Pentagon due to his mercurial nature and lack of strategic alignment with established narratives.
His embrace of Christian nationalism also raises concerns within the military about potential tyranny.

INSIGHT

Military Concerns on Christian Nationalism

The military's concern over Christian nationalism stems from the potential for tyranny if Christianity becomes the national religion.
They fear being forced to enforce such tyranny, which they view as unconstitutional and harmful.

INSIGHT

Trump's Ukraine Stance

Trump's disdain for war and dislike of NATO may lead him to shut down the war effort in Ukraine.
He views NATO as a financial burden on the US and prefers a more isolationist approach.

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Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States and given the host of global debacles the US has its hands in—ranging from the genocide in Gaza, to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and Iran to the Ukraine war—nobody is quite certain what direction the country will take with the former president at the helm again.

Joining host Chris Hedges on this episode of The Chris Hedges Report is Lawrence Wilkerson, a retired Army colonel and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell. With his extensive insights and expertise into the Middle East and American foreign policy, Wilkerson provides a valuable understanding into what a Trump presidency may look like outside of the borders of America.

Wilkerson predicts Trump will stay true to “his disdain for war,” emphasizing “it's genuine. I don't think he likes war. I don't think he likes starting wars.” Regarding Ukraine, Wilkerson thinks Trump will shut down the war effort. But when it comes to the Middle East, that commitment clashes with one of Trump’s long standing loyalties: unwavering support for Israel.

War with Iran seems increasingly likely by the day despite, according to Wilkerson, resistance from the Pentagon and prior administrations. In the case of Trump, however, “you wonder how long that resistance can hold up if the president of the United States is intent on—and this is the one place where Trump really worries me—doing everything in his power for Israel,” Wilkerson notes. He adds, “Trump has made it quite clear that that's his policy, that's his belief, and I think he's being honest about it.”

Citing war-game simulations, reports, personal sources as well as his own expertise, Wilkerson lays down the reality of potential war with Iran: sheer disaster. With sources saying that the IDF is already taking heavy casualties in Lebanon, any sort of escalation with Iran would compound the suffering of the US and Israel. “Iran will top $10 trillion, take 10 years to pacify, if it's even moderately pacified, and cost a fortune in blood and treasure,” Wilkerson warns.