【Trump: We've been fighting in Vietnam for 19 years, and only 4 months in Iran】CNN reporter Caitlin Collins challenged Trump last night, questioning the Commander-in-Chief about whether this protracted conflict has now become the "new normal" for Americans, given the ongoing relentless strikes against Iran.
At the White House press briefing, Trump said he had not yet concluded that "negotiation is impossible," adding, "We have an enormous stockpile of munitions and military strength unseen in years. Intense strikes will continue—let's just wait and see."
Collins from CNN then pushed back at Trump:
"You mentioned the U.S. is bombing Iran again—has this now become the 'new normal' for American people?"
Trump immediately attempted to draw a comparison between the war in Iran and the Vietnam War.
"No, you know, we fought in Vietnam for 19 years. Here, we’ve only been doing it for four months."
Trump proceeded to boast about U.S. military achievements: destroying Iran’s navy and air force within a month, wiping out most of its missiles and drones, dismantling approximately 92% of Iran’s drone manufacturing capacity, and eliminating 89% of its missile production capability—claiming these actions pose no real threat to the United States.
19 years in Vietnam, only 4 months in Iran—the underlying implication being: who truly is the war-loving president? With 19 years as precedent, criticizing four months amounts to picking at bones.
Given the vast difference between four months and 19 years, this has sparked external concerns about whether Trump might eventually approach the 19-year threshold—or at least allow himself full leeway for the remainder of his term.
Trump seized the moment to criticize all previous presidents, including Bush Jr., Obama, and Biden, over their handling of U.S.-Iran relations, while heavily promoting his own negotiating prowess.
The logic being: one must belittle others to elevate oneself:
"That said, you have to find people willing to make a deal. Two days ago, both sides reached an agreement—but then they said, 'Oh, we can't accept this. We need further negotiations.' That’s exactly what they’ve done for 47 years!"
The key difference, Trump insisted, is that "no one negotiates like I do. Honestly, this should have been handled by Bush, Obama, Biden—and those before them."
"No one negotiates like I do"—still the same old Trump.
The more complex the war, the tougher the opponent, the more it underscores Trump’s claim that his negotiation skills are unmatched.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870647154363404/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.