Key Takeaways:
- Frank Bruni criticizes Trump’s advisers for not challenging his impulsive decisions.
- Bruni says Trump surrounds himself with loyalists who avoid disagreeing with him.
- The columnist expresses concern over the lack of strong, independent voices in the administration.
Frank Bruni, a well-known opinion writer for the New York Times, has harshly criticized President Donald Trump’s team of advisers following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran. Bruni accuses Trump of surrounding himself with people who fail to question his decisions, even when the stakes are high.
A Lack of Challenge in the White House
Bruni points out that Trump recently dropped 15-ton bombs on uranium enrichment sites in Iran. He questions the role of key advisers like Tulsi Gabbard, now serving as Trump’s director of national intelligence, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary. Bruni admits he feels uneasy because neither Gabbard nor Hegseth was consulted before the strikes, according to reports.
The columnist believes Trump chooses advisers who are unlikely to disagree with him. He calls them “yes-men” who only tell Trump what he wants to hear. Bruni compares Trump to a “shock artist” who thrives on doing the unexpected, even if it risks unstable outcomes. “The kookier the crayon, the better,” Bruni says, suggesting Trump enjoys pushing boundaries, no matter how risky.
Strained Relationships and Tension
Bruni also highlights the strained relationship between Trump and his advisers. He notes that Gabbard and Trump’s relationship has been rocky, and Hegseth reportedly wasn’t even consulted on the Iran bombing. This pattern, Bruni argues, raises concerns about Trump’s decision-making process.
He adds that while criticism of Trump’s unconventional team of advisers is nothing new, the situation becomes more alarming when the president takes such a massive risk. “We’re dealing with a president who’s impulsive and unpredictable, taking actions he once criticized, in a region he knows is dangerous,” Bruni writes.
The Robot-Like Behaviour of Other Advisers
Bruni also targets Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He describes how they stood beside Trump during a public appearance, looking like “automatons” with stiff postures and blank expressions.
Bruni claims Vance and Rubio are more focused on praising Trump than offering honest advice. “They’re less devoted to complementing Trump than to complimenting him,” Bruni writes. He suggests their silence and rigid behavior make them seem afraid to disagree, even when the stakes are high.
A Call for Stronger Voices
Bruni believes what Trump needs right now are confident advisers who can question his decisions and provide honest feedback. He argues that having yes-men around only makes things worse, especially during tense moments like the Iran strikes. “What Trump needs at a time like this are confidants who can play devil’s advocate, not a coterie of toadies who whisper sweet nothings in his ear—or have nothing valuable to whisper at all,” Bruni writes.
The Bigger Picture
Bruni’s criticism goes beyond just Trump’s team. He’s raising a larger issue about leadership during high-stakes moments. He believes that when a president takes such a risky step, it’s crucial to have advisers who are brave enough to challenge decisions and offer diverse perspectives.
Bruni’s column reflects growing concerns about Trump’s leadership style and the people around him. With a region as volatile as the Middle East, many are asking whether Trump’s team is equipped to handle the consequences of his actions.
As the situation with Iran continues to unfold, Bruni’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of strong, independent voices in leadership. Whether or not you agree with Bruni’s views on Trump’s team, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.