Trump's Iran War: From 'America First' to Israel First, With No Exit Strategy

On this week’s LIVE discussion, Charlie Sykes delivers a blistering critique of President Trump’s Iran policy from a right-of-center perspective — calling out the chaos, contradictions, and long-term damage.We also dissect how “America First” became the most flexible slogan ever, bad optics (video game sizzle reels, golf caps during dignified transfers), economic fallout (oil spiking to $100+/barrel), and call out the Faustian bargains.Major topics discussed:— Trump’s incoherent Iran strategy — No plan, no exit, shifting goals from regime change to “unconditional surrender” to whatever Trump decides that day— “America First” means nothing — It’s just a flexible slogan that is defined by Trump’s mood— Trivializing war — Video game-style White House reels (Top Gun clips, anime), wearing a golf cap at Dover dignified transfer, lack of solemnity amid fallen troops— Israel’s influence & anti-Semitism risks — A war sold as for Israel’s security is feeding conspiracy theories, and doing long-term damage to bipartisan support for Israel and Jewish communities— Russia-Iran ironies — Russia is reportedly aiding Iran against U.S. forces; Ukraine is helping intercept Iranian drones— White House hubris — “Yes”-men, repeating failed playbooks (“Mission Accomplished” redux), ignoring red flags— AI/job disruption backlash, generational damage to capitalism, the church, and conservatism— Texas Senate race update — Looks like James Talarico could beat Ken Paxton OR John Cornyn!— And MUCH moreIf you’re tired of cheerleading and want honest analysis of Trump’s presidency, this episode is a must-watch.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC