The Crisis Room Was Britain right to roll out the red carpet for Trump?
Sep 18, 2025
Phil Gordon, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and former National Security Advisor, shares his insights on pivotal global issues. He discusses Trump's controversial state visit to the UK, reflecting on its political implications. Gordon delves into how Biden's decisions shaped his legacy and what a Kamala Harris administration might have looked like, particularly in terms of foreign policy. He further critiques U.S. migration policy and its electoral repercussions, while also warning about the dangers of West Bank expansion and the Gaza conflict.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pageantry Can Backfire
- Marc Polymeropoulos argues high-level pageantry can look like sycophancy and hurt reputations.
- He worries the royal family's lavish welcome for Trump will be judged harshly by history and allies.
Engage Practically With Allies
- Amber Rudd urges engagement with elected leaders regardless of character because alliances must work.
- She stresses pragmatic diplomacy: host allied leaders to protect national interests.
The Final Month Before The Decision
- Philip Gordon describes the surreal month after Biden's poor debate and before he stepped down.
- He recalls the slow, tense unraveling and the final surprise announcement to the vice president minutes before it aired.