Trump doesn’t have a strategy: Top US journalist Anne Applebaum on Iran war

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and journalist Anne Applebaum discusses Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy and his handling of the conflict with Iran. She states that the United States currently lacks a strategic direction, noting that the president’s decisions are driven by personal whims rather than long-term planning. Applebaum highlights the unpredictability of his actions, which she argues have caused global instability and affected international markets. She points out that Trump has appointed inexperienced individuals to key positions, such as Tulsi Gabbard as Chief of Intelligence, undermining traditional institutions. Furthermore, Applebaum observes his preference for authoritarian figures, stating: ‘He does seem to instinctively admire other autocrats.’ She explains that he prioritises personal and business interests over the fate of the Republican Party or public opinion, mentioning his desire to build a ballroom at the White House.