To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes “I Phoned Donald Trump. He Answered...”
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Mar 19, 2026 
Ed Luce, senior Financial Times journalist known for foreign policy analysis, recounts phoning the U.S. president and getting an unexpected answer. He discusses Trump pressing allies over the Strait of Hormuz, transatlantic fallout and NATO doubts. He explores Trump’s fixation on Keir Starmer, the prospect of action against Cuba, and how global rivals like China view U.S. volatility.
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Ed Luce Phoned Trump And He Answered
- Ed Luce actually called President Donald Trump and spoke with him for about eight minutes, including a dropped call and a callback.
- The call focused on Trump's frustration after being refused allied help to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and his annoyance with Keir Starmer.
Allies Rejected Trump's Request For A Hormuz Coalition
- European and Commonwealth leaders refused Trump's request to join an offensive effort in the Strait of Hormuz because it would be political suicide and offer no gratitude.
- Ed Luce argued allies see the war as whimsical, not imminent, and won't risk leaders like Keir Starmer's careers to help.
Europe Preparing For A Post NATO World
- Many European states are preparing for a post‑NATO reality by debating independent deterrents and closer EU defence ties.
- Luce cites France expanding its nuclear umbrella and Britain debating full nuclear independence as evidence.