What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead Kent, NATO, Orban, Iran
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Mar 20, 2026 They cover Joe Kent's resignation and its ripple effects in conservative politics. They debate Trump's complaints about NATO and Europe's military limits in the Gulf. They unpack JD Vance's public support for Viktor Orban and what it signals. They dig into developments and strategic choices around the Iran conflict.
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Far Right Resignations Have Limited Immediate Impact
- Joe Kent's resignation is loud online but limited in real-world influence among mainstream Republicans.
- Walter Russell Mead: Kent was a non-entity before resigning and mainly energizes a small far-right online subculture.
Europe Threw Away A Diplomatic Opportunity
- European refusal to send warships reflects limited military capability and political unwillingness to be seen siding with Trump.
- Mead: Europe missed a chance to trade support for concessions that would have reaffirmed ties without major military commitments.
Vance's Budapest Trip Is About Domestic Optics
- J.D. Vance's Hungary trip is partly political theater to preserve his MAGA credibility while supporting Trump.
- Mead: Vance needs to show his base he remains 'America First' despite backing the administration on the Iran war.