Noonan Slams Trump’s Iran Threats: ‘Hitting a New Bottom’

Journalist Peggy Noonan Criticizes Trump’s Social Media Posts on Iran

Veteran journalist Peggy Noonan has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s social media threats directed at Iran, describing them as “hitting a new bottom” and “sinister.” In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Noonan argued that Trump’s posts, which included suggestions of attacking Iran’s cultural sites and committing war crimes, were not mere political showmanship but deeply destabilizing actions. These statements, she contends, undermine America’s moral standing and make the world less safe for everyone.

Trump’s Rhetoric Deemed Dangerous and Immoral

Noonan’s piece, titled “In Gut We TRUST,” highlights the shock and dismay caused by Trump’s online messages. She wrote that Trump’s words left friends and foes alike “slack-jawed.” The danger, according to Noonan, lies in the president’s potential to abandon the moral high ground. By suggesting a willingness to attack and kill, Trump, as the American president, signals a departure from protecting life. This lowers the bar for potential responses and can encourage violent actions globally.

The Importance of Allies and International Standing

A key point in Noonan’s critique is Trump’s apparent disregard for international alliances. She argues that allies are not just helpful but are essential for legitimacy and moral authority on the world stage. Having allies means not standing alone during crises, a concept Noonan calls simple prudence, not sentimentality. She pushes back against the idea that Trump’s approach is a necessary adaptation to a changing world, stating that understanding the consequences of such actions is crucial, regardless of age.

Internal Republican Party Divisions Emerge

The discussion around Trump’s rhetoric also touches upon divisions within the Republican Party. While some commentators, like Meghan Kelly and Tucker Carlson, represent further-right viewpoints, and others like Candace Owens lean even more extreme, Noonan is positioned as a voice from the mainstream Republican establishment. Her strong criticism suggests that even traditional Republican voices are increasingly finding Trump’s actions problematic. This creates challenges for the former president from various sides of his own party.

Voters’ Perspective and Psychological Blocks

Reporting from Indiana, observations suggest that many Republican voters are focused on daily concerns rather than international affairs or presidential rhetoric. For many, Trump’s controversial statements have become an expected part of his persona, almost a “price of admission.” There appears to be a psychological tendency among some supporters to believe Trump is playing a complex strategic game, a “ninth-level chess,” rather than confronting the potential long-term damage his actions might cause. This belief allows them to avoid facing the significant problems his approach creates.

Diminished Political Standing and Future Challenges

The article points out that Trump’s political standing and his ability to achieve his goals have significantly decreased over the past year. Despite this, the analysis suggests that this is consistent with Trump’s long-standing behavior over the last decade. For the Republican Party, especially with midterm elections approaching and facing difficulties, the focus is on day-to-day survival. There is a sense that Trump cannot be easily influenced or stopped. The real reckoning for the party, the article suggests, may come after Trump’s influence wanes, potentially around the 2028 election cycle, when the party will need to confront its identity without him.

Silence from Republican Leaders Amidst Controversy

Despite the gravity of Trump’s statements—including tweets on Easter Sunday followed by threats of “decimating a civilization” and committing war crimes—most Republicans have remained silent. The article notes that such actions, if taken by any other president, could lead to serious consequences, including impeachment. However, with very few exceptions, Republican leaders have offered no public criticism. This silence is partly attributed to the current political climate, particularly the ongoing primary season, where crossing Trump is seen as politically risky.

Looking Ahead: The Party’s Future

The coming months and years will likely see the Republican Party grappling with its identity and direction. As Trump’s influence continues, the party faces the challenge of navigating its relationship with him while also preparing for a post-Trump era. The critical question remains whether more Republican figures will find the courage to speak out against rhetoric that Peggy Noonan and others deem harmful to the nation’s standing and security.

Source: 'A new bottom': WSJ's Peggy Noonan slams Trump's social media threats against Iran (YouTube)