Our take
In a pivotal moment for U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump delivered his first national address since the onset of the war with Iran, which has now been ongoing for over a month. The address, however, has drawn scrutiny for its lack of clarity regarding the administration's objectives and strategies moving forward. On the latest episode of Washington Week With The Atlantic, a panel of esteemed journalists convened to dissect the implications of Trump's remarks and the broader context of the conflict.
Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, emphasized the importance of presidential communication during wartime, noting that effective addresses should articulate clear goals and justify the sacrifices involved. He expressed concern that Trump’s recent address failed to provide the necessary guidance, leaving many viewers perplexed about the administration's direction. Joining guest moderator Vivian Salama were prominent figures in journalism, including Idrees Ali from Reuters, Susan Glasser from The New Yorker, and Michelle Price from the Associated Press. Together, they explored the growing opposition to Trump's approach to Iran and the potential consequences of engaging in military action without well-defined objectives. As the situation continues to evolve, the panelists highlighted the critical need for transparency and communication from the White House. For a deeper understanding of the discussion and insights from the panelists, viewers can access the full episode online.
Editor’s Note: Panelists on Washington Week With The Atlantic joined to discuss growing opposition to President Trump’s attacks on Iran and what winning a war with unclear objectives could like.
Earlier this week, Donald Trump delivered his first national address since the war with Iran began more than a month ago. On Washington Week With The Atlantic, panelists joined to discuss the president’s remarks, and more.
“It’s always better for a president in a time of war to go to the public and explain what he’s trying to do, to explain the goals, to explain why it’s worth American treasure and lives,” Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent at The New York Times said last night. But Trump’s address on Wednesday “did not feel like a speech a month into the war saying where we’re going to go from here, and I think it left a lot of people confused.”
Joining guest moderator Vivan Salama, a staff writer at The Atlantic, to discuss this, and more: Idrees Ali, a national-security correspondent at Reuters; Baker; Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker; Michelle Price, a White House reporter at the Associated Press.
Watch the full episode here.
