MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell delivered a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, targeting his recent declarations about U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz during what Trump claims are negotiations to end the Iran war. O'Donnell's monologue on "The Last Word" dissected Trump's assertion that the United States can have "control of anything we want," a statement made at the White House when questioned about managing the strategic waterway.
Trump's Controversial Claims Amid Denials
Trump's bold pronouncement comes as Iranian officials firmly deny that any peace talks are occurring, creating a stark contradiction in the narrative. O'Donnell did not hold back, comparing Trump to a "spoiled child" and referencing the ex-president's role in initiating what he described as "the most expensive war in history." The host emphasized that this conflict has already cost the U.S. an estimated $12.7 billion in just the first six days, with expenses continuing to escalate rapidly.
Strait of Hormuz: A Point of Contention
Repeating Trump's words, O'Donnell highlighted the specific focus on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. "He wants to control the Strait of Hormuz now, and he doesn't. And he doesn't know how to get control of the straits," O'Donnell stated, pointing out that the strait has been effectively shut down since the war's onset, despite being "free and open to shipping" merely weeks ago. This situation underscores the complexities and failures in Trump's approach, according to the host.
Political Fallout and Desperation
The timing of Trump's bravado is particularly notable, as his approval ratings have plummeted to a dismal 36% in the wake of the war and its impact on rising gas prices. O'Donnell argued that Trump is "looking, desperately, for a way out that will not look like total surrender on his part," suggesting that the former president's statements are driven by political necessity rather than strategic reality.
Confusion Over Iranian "Gift"
Adding to the controversy, O'Donnell addressed Trump's suggestion that the Iranian regime gifted the U.S. a "very big present," which Politico reported might involve a ship carrying Iranian crude oil safely exiting the strait. These remarks have "baffled" administration insiders, per the outlet. O'Donnell mocked this notion, calling it a "wonderful present" or "very significant prize," while noting that Bloomberg has indicated no such ship has actually transited the strait recently.
O'Donnell further clarified that any authorization for ship movements in the region would come from the current Iranian ruling regime, which remains unchanged since before Trump's war began. This point reinforces the host's argument that Trump's claims are disconnected from the on-ground realities and diplomatic intricacies of the conflict.
