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Trump Said “Total Blockade”—That’s Not Happening | Command Post

2026-04-16 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
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Description

In this Command Post edition of Bulwark Takes, Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) examine the growing gap between political messaging and military reality, focusing on how Trump’s public statements often differ from what the military actually executes. They also break down what a “blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz really involves and why it’s far more complex and risky than it sounds in political rhetoric. Finally, they turn to Ukraine’s evolving war effort, highlighting how drone warfare and battlefield innovation are reshaping modern combat. Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/BULWARKTAKES for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Read more from Mark's piece: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/what-a-blockade-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-really-means Ben's book recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Judgment-Tokyo-World-Making-Modern/dp/1101947101/?tag=bulwark08-20 Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@bettyannewilkinson8686 2026-04-16

So glad the General joined Bulwark. A voice of reason.

115 2 replies
@slewsthe1 2026-04-16

Ukraine has never left my mind and my heart. That WH visit was the beginning of the end for our morality.

108 6 replies
@Abertolini915 2026-04-16

My new favorite Bulwark show.

104 2 replies
@kristaconley7542 2026-04-16

General Hertling thank you for your service and thank you for the perspectives you contribute!

81
@BenjiByars 2026-04-16

Gen Hertling always gets lots of praise on these episodes, deservedly so, but I think Ben deserves more praise than he typically gets. He moderators and runs this show exceptionally well. He asks great questions and has enough military knowledge himself to make the show run smoothly. Thank you Ben and Gen Hertling, keep up the good work!

77 3 replies
@MagnusS27 2026-04-16

As a Swede I would argue that Ukraine is an extremely valuable ally to Europe due to their battle experience, man power, drone and robotic technology and video data etc, whereas the Divided States of America at best can be seen as a kleptocratic, fascistic and imperialistic regime lead by a demented, incompetent and incoherent emperor without any clothes and ideas, isolated in his fictive and wannabe Mar-a-La-La-land, having his daily temper tantrums.

76 7 replies
@DOPES4MAGA 2026-04-16

Give Zelenski the Nobel Peace Prize just to piss off Trump.

75 3 replies
@scottpeters5959 2026-04-16

The Pope showing what a spine and a backbone look like to the cowering politicians of America.

74 4 replies
@kajsahakansson9092 2026-04-16

Ukraine is Europe and Europe is Ukraine. Slava Ukraine 🇸🇪🤝🇺🇦

54
@feralfoods 2026-04-16

whenever i see Gen Mark Hertling, i click "PLAY" —much appreciated !!!

43

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