Letter to the editor: Trump's costly friendship

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 06.18.26

Trump attacked Iran to help his long-time friend and political ally, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. On Feb. 11, Netanyahu told Trump Israel intended to attack Iran with or without us. Trump’s Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio said: “We knew that would precipitate an attack against American forces. If we didn’t pre-emptively go after Iran before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.”

In an April 21 release, Trump’s State Department confirmed that “the United States is engaged in this conflict at the request of and in the collective self-defense of its Israeli ally.”

Trump admitted the war was never about putting “America First” but was driven by Netanyahu. “We don’t have to be there,” Trump said. “We don’t need their oil. We’re there to help our allies.” Trump added, “we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way, shape, or form.”

But Israel was the only ally that asked for help, that Trump consulted or that knew of the attack. America’s other allies were reportedly outraged. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “Washington has not consulted us. We would have advised against pursuing this course of action.”

As Trump was warned, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Gas and food prices skyrocketed. Trump desperately needs Iran to reopen the strait to lower prices. Iran won’t reopen Hormuz unless Israel stops attacking Iran’s allies in Lebanon.

When Netanyahu ordered the bombing of Beirut, Trump’s hope of reopening the strait vanished. “What the [expletive] are you doing?” Trump reportedly shouted at Netanyahu over the phone. “You’re [expletive] crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me!” Trump was referring to Netanyahu’s ongoing criminal trial for bribery and fraud that was delayed by war.

“I’m saving [you],” Trump continued. “Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this!” Trump’s attempt to ‘save Netanyahu’ has cost 15 American soldiers killed and 543 wounded. So far.

Nancy Briganti

Carolina Shores