Ben Rhodes warns Trump’s moves could broaden Iran-Ukraine conflict and shift Gulf allies toward China
Ben Rhodes cautions that President Trump's actions risk expanding the intertwined wars in Iran and Ukraine while nudging Gulf partners closer to China, and he notes the U.S.-Israel tie’s impact on domestic races.
He suggested these dynamics are pushing Gulf allies into China’s sphere of influence and that the United States’ relationship with Israel is shaping domestic political battles, including Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign in Michigan.
Rhodes further alleged that Senator Ted Cruz is being paid by Israel, while critiquing Democratic speech-making, Vance’s self-portrayal, DSA messaging, and Enes Kanter’s stance. The episode also promotes upcoming Bulwark Live events in the Southeast and urges listeners to support the platform.
Why it matters
The analysis highlights how U.S. foreign-policy choices could reshape global alliances and affect domestic politics.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Aug 21 New reports indicate the death toll in Kyiv may be as high as fifteen and note Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot interceptors.
- Aug 22 Ukraine struck the Progress Rocket and Space Center in Samara with a missile.
- Aug 23 British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Ukraine on Aug 24, where he will announce support for local assembly of the SCALP long-range cruise missile.
- Aug 25 Burnham announced plans to travel to the United States in September to lobby President Trump on Ukraine’s Patriot missile needs.
- Aug 25 CIA chief John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow for an unannounced meeting, a rare high-level contact between the United States and Russia.
- Aug 25 Washington warned allies to sever business ties with Iran under threat of secondary sanctions.
- Aug 26 John Ratcliffe was identified as being on the C‑17 that landed in Moscow.
- Aug 26 Kremlin spokesman said Putin had been informed of Ratcliffe's discussions with Russian security services.
- Aug 26 The UK announced the transfer of Storm Shadow missile design data to Ukraine.
- Aug 26 Donald Trump described CIA director John Ratcliffe's recent trip to Moscow as a “semi-routine” mission, suggesting it focused on the Ukraine conflict.
- Aug 27 Russia’s foreign intelligence chief publicly confirmed the meeting with the CIA director.
- Aug 27 Russia labeled U.S. reports of a NATO warning as “scare stories.”
- Aug 27 Ukrainian forces launched close to 800 drones toward Moscow in a coordinated operation.
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