Carl Bernstein, a renowned journalist, pointed out on CNN that the key beneficiaries of President-elect Trump’s recent appointments to positions would include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and China.
On CNN’s NewsNight, Bernstein elaborated, noting, “If we look at who benefits from these appointments, it’s Putin, Netanyahu, and the third would be…” He was soon interrupted by host Abby Phillip, who suggested, “Xi Jinping in China?”
Bernstein agreed, adding, “Yes, the Chinese. But eventually, these appointments signal a shift in America’s global role, suggesting that NATO is no longer the world’s leader and that Ukraine is now at a disadvantage due to this election and Trump’s proposed settlement.”
Carl Bernstein raises concerns over Trump’s picks for key diplomatic roles and their global implications
Since winning the election, Trump has appointed several individuals to pivotal diplomatic positions. On Tuesday, Trump revealed that he would nominate Pete Hegseth, an Army veteran and Fox News host, to serve as the Secretary of Defense.
He also selected former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, a critical post given the rising tensions in the Middle East. Trump further appointed New York businessman Steven Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East, with the aim of having him serve as “a voice for peace.”
This week, the president-elect also named New York Rep. Elise Stefanik as his pick for U.N. Ambassador. Although Stefanik has little experience in diplomacy, she has been a vocal critic of the U.N. and a staunch supporter of Israel.
In addition, Trump appointed Tom Homan, the former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as “border czar” to oversee immigration enforcement, including security along the Southern and Northern Borders, maritime, and aviation security.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was chosen to head the Department of Homeland Security, and Susie Wiles, a campaign advisor, was tapped to be the first female White House chief of staff.
