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Trump & Hegseth Ignored Experts—Then Tried to Run a War (w/ Tom Nichols) | Command Post

2026-04-08 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
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Description

Tom Nichols join Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker to discuss the bleak reality of Trump’s Iran war—where early strikes gave way to confusion, a shaky “ceasefire,” and no clear endgame. They explain how tactical hits didn’t translate into strategic success, why the U.S. may be in a worse position now, and what this reveals about decision-making, military leadership, and the absence of a real plan. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today. Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@MaguireGuitar 2026-04-08

Lots of people are dead, 80 billion spent and virtually nothing accomplished. No one is safer, just poorer and a lot of people dead!!

786 76 replies
@DaveK385 2026-04-08

They've already got J.D. Vance out there talking about the agreement saying that "Maybe the Iranians don't understand English very well." I expect they understand English better than Trump speaks it.

526 32 replies
@adoggy2150 2026-04-09

I love listening to Hertling and Nichols jamming together. They are so sane. Thank you for scheduling them together.

424 2 replies
@jimdukarich1692 2026-04-09

It's great to see General Hertling as part of the Bulwark.

350 6 replies
@Rich-mb6nz 2026-04-09

General Hertling and Professor Nichols are two exemplars of the best of the American military tradition. Thoughtful and honest. Sad and dangerous that our current political leadership is the exact opposite.

349 2 replies
@davidcoleman757 2026-04-09

Lt. General Hertling and Prof. Nichols are a dream ticket for this type of discussion. Both have been assets to The Bulwark, and in helping the rest of us make sense of this insanity.

118 1 replies
@alexanderednie1205 2026-04-09

US Army Infantry 03-09 I wouldn’t follow these incompetent fools into a kiddie pool. I feel sorry for my brothers and sisters still serving.

114 4 replies
@amvedere 2026-04-09

General Hertling is a gem. Great dynamic with this group. Looking forward to seeing Ben more on The Bulwark.

80 1 replies
@ax2handle834 2026-04-09

The best victory is the war you win without firing a shot. The moment you fire a shot is your first sign of weakness.

52
@timbeyers58 2026-04-09

Great conversation as always. Command Post has rapidly become one of my favorite Bulwark staples. Gen. Hertling always talks so much sense and Tom Nichols is equally thoughtful. Ben is a terrific host. Thanks to you all.

37

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