Trump’s Middle East Tightrope, Tucker’s Blind Spot, and Newsom’s Political Theater | Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler argue that President Trump is pursuing a pragmatic strategy: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while avoiding another costly Middle East ground war. They discuss how Iran has been militarily humiliated, that time is working against the regime, and that any future violations should be met with swift, disproportionate retaliation. The episode also offers a vigorous defense of Israel, with Hanson arguing that U.S. aid to Israel serves American interests through intelligence sharing, weapons testing, and regional stability. He criticizes both European allies and elements of the populist right for distancing themselves from Israel and downplaying the Iranian threat. Hanson takes aim at Tucker Carlson’s defense of controversial political figure Graham Phelan, arguing that allegations surrounding extremist symbolism and past conduct deserve scrutiny and should not be dismissed for political convenience. The conversation closes with criticism of Gavin Newsom’s leadership in California and a skeptical assessment of Barack Obama’s legacy, with Hanson questioning both the accomplishments celebrated at the Obama Presidential Center and the broader record of the Obama years. 👉Cove Pure - CovePure is giving VDH’s audience $250 off if you use this link: CovePure.com/VDH. Don’t wait!HTTPS://WWW.CovePure.com/VDH 👉Mount Titano Media - FINDING OUR WORDS: Words That Made America is available now in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, Audible, and in Spanish translation on Amazon.com, and on www.MountTitanoMedia.com. https://www.MountTitanoMedia.com 👉Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit JoinADF.com/HANSON or text HANSON to 83848 to give today. Every dollar you give will be DOUBLED thanks to a special matching grant, while funds last. https://www.JoinADF.com/HANSON Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices