Democracy Dies in Darkness

The role of secretary of defense has emerged as pivotal within President Donald Trump’s administration. This shift highlights the increasing influence of Pete Hegseth, who now appears as a significant figure among senior officials.

By Emma Ashford, Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy is a global affairs publication offering varied viewpoints on issues impacting nations worldwide. While my assessment of President Trump’s foreign policy trajectory has been somewhat accurate, there have been notable misjudgments on my part.

Initially, I believed the United States was poised for heightened tensions and rivalry with China. This equally mirrored the thoughts of many within Washington. Another incorrect assumption was my belief that President Trump was unlikely to pursue conflict with Iran. This misjudgment compelled a reevaluation of my perspective on Trump’s strategies regarding Iran and provided deeper insights into his decision-making process.