How Trump's 'Stupid' Move Backfired on Him

How Trump's 'Stupid' Move Backfired on Him

From The Daily Beast Podcast by The Daily Beast, Joanna Coles

June 6, 2026 · 1h 1m · Season 1 · Episode 710

About this episode

Ben Rhodes discusses the mistakes of the Trump administration in relation to diplomacy and American identity.

Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, speaks with Joanna Coles about why he believes Donald Trump is repeating the mistakes the Obama administration spent years trying to avoid, from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to the unraveling of decades of American diplomacy. Drawing on his firsthand role in the Iran nuclear negotiations and the reopening of relations with Cuba, Rhodes explains how complex deals are actually made, why expertise matters in moments of crisis, and what happens when governments ignore it. He also reflects on Trump's transformation of the White House, the growing influence of tech billionaires, the future of Democratic leadership, and the deeper battle over America's identity that inspired his new book, All We Say. Rhodes offers a rare insider's view of diplomacy, power, and the long-term consequences of decisions that could reshape the global order for years to come. Recover smarter with Lifepro—get $20 OFF the Waver Vibration Plate and free shipping at https://lifeprofitness.com with code DAILYBEAST at checkout. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Joanna Coles

Guest: Ben Rhodes

Topics covered

  • Trump administration
  • diplomacy
  • Iran nuclear negotiations
  • American identity
  • Democratic leadership
  • tech billionaires

Keywords

  • Trump
  • diplomacy
  • Iran
  • Cuba
  • Obama
  • American identity
  • tech billionaires
  • Democratic leadership
  • Ben Rhodes

Sponsors

Lifepro

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Daily Beast, Obama administration, Cuba

Products: Waver Vibration Plate

Books & works: All We Say

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