The Dispatch Podcast Trump Can't Bomb That, Can He? | Roundtable
41 snips
Oct 24, 2025 
Megan McArdle, a journalist and Washington Post columnist, joins a lively discussion with Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and David French. They delve into the Trump administration's controversial strikes against drug boats, sparking a debate about presidential authority and legal implications. The conversation shifts to the administration's confusing stance on Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Trump's foreign policy. They wrap up on a lighter note with a fun segment on meat, sharing grilling tips and favorite dishes.
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Objection Then Resignation Protocol
- Senior officials should object, resign, and publicly explain if ordered to carry out unlawful strikes.
- That sequence preserves principle and alerts public and Congress to potential illegality.
Trump's Pragmatic Use-Of-Force Pattern
- Trump's use of force fits his pattern: punch smaller actors when convenient, not consistent noninterventionism.
- His anti-forever-wars rhetoric centers on avoiding losing wars, not avoiding use of force.
Why Trump Swings Between Putin And Zelensky
- Putin repeatedly rebuffs Trump while Ukrainian diplomacy better adapts to strongman audiences.
- That dynamic explains Trump's erratic swings between pro-Ukraine and pro-Putin moments.
