'A logic of ESCALATION': How Trump's ill-defined war risks spinning out of control - The Briefing w/Jen Psaki - MS NOW

[Rhiannon12866]

As Donald Trump keeps the U.S. military engaged in Iran without a clear goal, new crises, like the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, means further engagement.

Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor, and Robert Malley, former special envoy for Iran, talk with Jen Psaki about how Iran's asymmetric strategy and the global economy at stake could give Trump much more than he bargained for in Iran. - Aired on 03/20/2026.

[Dunc]

1. Not good.

We have several M.E.U. Underway the 82nd on standby.

Link to tweet

?s=46

[Rhiannon12866]

2. His most lethal and internationally threatening "distraction" yet!

[barbtries]

3. not good at all.

fucking republicans. and fuck fetterman.

[mwmisses4289]

4. Risks spinning?!? It was out of control by the second day!

Why? Because according to the script t probably spun in his head, we would go in, bomb a few places, the Iranians would gladly surrender, the war would be done in a week and t and the oil conglomerates would have control of the oil and rare earth minerals that is so abundant there, and life would be better for everyone.

Only the Iranians didn't follow the script. They fought back. And what little hope for freeing iran from the oppressive rule of the mullahs is gone, as their people unite to fight the Great Satan.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Well said and you're likely right

And since Iran didn't follow the script that he had in his head (likely described to him by Netanyahu) he's totally flummoxed now about WTH he should do next...

[mwmisses4289]

6. Doesn't help that he was bored with this by the end of the first week.

It was supposed to be done, so he could move on to more important things...like playing golf every weekend.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Exactly. Unlike any other president in history, the felon-in-chief insists on doing anything but his actual job

He has harassed universities, ignited a dangerous insurrection in which law enforcement was injured or killed, gave up on a war that he boasted he could end on his first day, ignited another war which has already resulted in countless deaths, destroyed a portion of The People's House without seeking any permission, alienated our long-time traditional allies and sucked up to our long time adversaries - all the while making life harder, not easier, for the American people.