Trump really ‘paying’ the price for hiring ‘knuckleheads’

Speaking during a 17-minute segment on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Wednesday, Friedman expressed deep concern over the readiness and competence of Donald Trump’s current foreign policy team, should the U.S. decide to join Israel in a possible war against Iran.

Friedman, who has long advocated for regime change in Iran, made it clear that while he supports strong measures to counter the Iranian government’s destabilizing activities, he is alarmed at the idea of the Trump administration — particularly its current advisory circle — leading such an effort.

“This is a hellish problem. It’s a hellish choice — it always has been,” Friedman told host Joe Scarborough. “That’s why I favor a step-by-step, methodical approach. I want the entire world to see that we did everything in our power to avoid war, because if there is a war, Joe, it’s going to be a long one — and you want maximum legitimacy. You want the world behind us.”

Friedman stressed that the way in which the United States would enter into any military conflict with Iran is of utmost importance. He argued that building international consensus and demonstrating restraint could give the U.S. much-needed diplomatic leverage, especially in a conflict that would likely have far-reaching consequences.

He added, “How we get into this war really matters. It sets the tone for everything that follows.”

Friedman then turned his attention to the current figures advising Trump, expressing alarm over what he characterized as a lack of experience and competence at the highest levels of the administration. He was particularly critical of Trump’s appointments, describing the leadership team as ill-equipped to manage the complexities of a potential war in the Middle East.

“Donald Trump is now paying for the fact that he appointed a cabinet of knuckleheads,” Friedman said. “He has a defense secretary in Pete Hegseth, who was once a weekend host on Fox News — someone with no significant military command experience. His Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has been openly contradicted and repudiated by Trump himself, and has shown herself to be another unqualified pick.”

“You hire clowns, you get a circus,” Friedman warned. “And it’s terrifying to think about who’s actually in the room advising him at this critical moment.”

Friedman went on to caution against the dangers of populating national security and foreign policy positions based on loyalty rather than merit.

“When you hire people solely for their slavish loyalty to you — not for their subject-matter expertise, not for their ability to challenge your thinking or tell you when you’re wrong — that is deeply frightening. And Trump is now facing the consequences of that approach.”

Friedman’s concerns come at a time of heightened tension, as the prospect of a full-scale regional conflict involving Iran and Israel becomes increasingly likely. With President Trump back in office, the possibility of direct U.S. involvement has grown more tangible, particularly given the administration’s vocal support for Israel and its hardline stance on Iran.

The columnist’s remarks indicate growing unease within foreign policy circles — not just about the potential for war, but about whether the current administration has the strategic judgment and qualified personnel needed to manage such a complex and dangerous crisis.

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As Trump weighs options that could reshape the geopolitical landscape, questions about the competence and credibility of those advising him have become more urgent than ever.