Trump does not think strategically, historically, geographically, or even rationally. He does not connect actions he takes on one day to events that occur weeks later. Allied leaders know that if they help him in the Gulf, he won't be grateful, or even remember www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...

Everyone but Trump Understands...
Everyone but Trump Understands What He’s Done

Allied leaders know that any positive gesture they make will count for nothing.

The Atlantic

@anneapplebaum.bsky.social

You put it perfectly.

The more we analyze Trump and his administration, the clearer it becomes: There is no deeper analysis needed, there is no intentional ambiguity to his decisions and words as a negotiation tactic.

It is all very simple. #trump can in many regards really be summarized by a single word:

Incompetence!

#uspolitics #globalpolitics

@ratel @DataCartographer @anneapplebaum.bsky.social

Law 4:

"Non-stupid people always underestimate the destructive power of stupid individuals."

"In particular, non-stupid people constantly forget that at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances, dealing and/or associating with stupid people is always a costly mistake. We underestimate idiots, and we do so at our peril."

-Cipolla