Every day since Donald Trump took power, the world has been waking up to a problem.
This morning, troubling new details emerged regarding the reckless actions of key members of the US leader's inner circle -Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Their stupidity has now created grave implications for America and its relationship with European allies.
The actions in question, which include classified military discussions and a blatant disregard for diplomatic protocol, exposed the alarming incompetence and disregard for international relations within the Trump administration.
Only weeks after Vance made disparaging remarks about European contributions to the Ukraine conflict, calling a peacekeeping mission involving 20,000 troops "from some random country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years, " he has now surpassed his own buffoonery.
But today's revelation is by far the most alarming . . . yet. It has emerged that Hegseth, Vance, and Walz used Signal, a widely accessible messaging app, to communicate highly classified plans for a military operation targeting Houthi rebels. But to make matters worse, they included The Atlantic magazine's editor in the conversation - someone with no security clearance or official role.
The use of such an easily accessible app to discuss sensitive information is a flagrant breach of security protocols, and the inclusion of a journalist in the exchange shows a staggering lack of judgment and foresight. But the conversations they held underscores the broader pattern of incompetence and recklessness surrounding these individuals.
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In the chat, Vance raised objections to plans to attack Houthi rebels, which he argued were not in American interests. “I just hate bailing Europe out again,” he said. “Three per cent of US trade runs through the Suez.
"Forty per cent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message.”
Hegseth responded by saying: “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close.”
The pair's remarks reflect a shocking lack of understanding of Europe's critical role in global security while showing American contempt for its greatest allies. Their actions have not only jeopardised US security but also put the trust and cooperation of European allies at risk.
Such a breach is deeply concerning in an era where international relations are more fragile than ever. To belittle the efforts of European nations, many of which are key NATO allies, demonstrates a blatant level of ignorance and disdain for the very alliances that have been integral to American interests for decades.
Equally disturbing is the endorsement of Vance's comments by Hegseth, whose role should be to strengthen diplomatic ties, not undermine them.
By backing such rhetoric, the head of the Pentagon signals to the world that under Trump, America is willing to distance itself from its allies when cooperation is needed most. Such a dangerous approach rightly threatens to isolate the US on the global stage at a time when unity is critical.
Ultimately, the responsibility for these failures lies with Trump, who appointed these unqualified individuals to positions of power. By surrounding himself with people who are woefully inadequate for their roles, Trump has put America's international standing in jeopardy.
The consequences of these actions, particularly in terms of Europe's trust in the US, will be felt for years to come.
