By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Trump administration has taken several actions that appear to favor Russia, including berating the Ukrainian President, halting military shipments, and easing sanctions. These actions have been widely celebrated in Russia and have led to a perception that Trump has “no cards” to play. While Trump has expressed a desire to end the war, the lack of economic, military, or political tools being used suggests that his wishes can be safely ignored. Ultimately, the U.S. is dismantling its foreign-policy tools, and its ability to act effectively on the global stage is diminishing, leaving the country in a weakened position.
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Trump Has No Cards. It’s a statement that resonates with a certain frustration, a sense of betrayal, and perhaps, a touch of bewilderment. It’s not just about a lack of options in a particular situation; it speaks to a broader assessment of his character and capabilities. He seems perpetually outmaneuvered, lacking the essential tools to play the game effectively.
He never seemed to have the upper hand. Look at his relationship with Putin. He’s been perceived as consistently outmatched, unable to see through the facade, and seemingly willing to debase himself in the process. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about a failure of judgment, a lack of foresight, and an inability to recognize the true stakes. It’s like watching someone play a game of poker and constantly folding a good hand, seemingly unaware of the value they hold.
He’s also been accused of surrounding himself with the incompetent. This has a domino effect; it isolates him from criticism and creates an echo chamber where bad ideas are amplified and poor choices are validated. This has led to choices that have not delivered any gains, and have resulted in many failures. What cards could he possibly be holding when he operates in this way?
Some people are quick to point out that the most devastating ‘cards’ he holds are the Epstein files. The implication being that there are damaging secrets contained within, and that they can be leveraged to control his actions. This is a serious accusation, suggesting the potential for blackmail and influence, and yet, it’s another facet of the “no cards” narrative. Even with these supposed files, the perception is that he is not the one holding the power.
When we think of the big picture, we can’t ignore the consequences of those choices. Did sitting out the election or enabling a certain type of leadership improve anyone’s life? Did it make the world a safer place? Has it stopped mass shootings, child hunger, and the erosion of the middle class? The answer is a resounding no. Instead, it’s been a cascade of misfortune, of multiplying conflicts, instability, and despair. His choices, intentional or not, have only served to worsen things.
Let’s be clear, he has what most would call ‘the cards.’ He has access to the might of the U.S. military, a force that could potentially shift the balance of power significantly in various conflicts, and yet he chooses not to play that card. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Instead, he is seen talking to Putin, believing his lies, and walking away suddenly russian. He seems to consistently opt for weakness and a lack of action.
The argument that Trump has “no cards” is a complex one, encompassing his lack of judgment, his poor choices, and his inability to effectively utilize the power he has at his disposal. He seems more concerned with his own image, and his focus is ultimately on his own self-interest, leaving him perpetually vulnerable.
Some might say he’s playing Calvinball, a game with no rules, constantly changing and making things up as he goes. It’s a chaotic approach, lacking any strategic direction. And that, in essence, is why many believe he has “no cards.” He might have a deck, but he doesn’t know how to play the game. The nuclear codes, that’s the equivalent of a tiny, useless piece of paper. He never has.
The sentiment seems to be that he’s not just incompetent, but also apathetic. He refuses to use the enormous power he has. He could be holding all the best cards, but he doesn’t know how to play them, and he doesn’t care. In the end, it’s about the perception of a leader who lacks the vision, the intelligence, and the moral compass to effectively navigate the complexities of the world. It’s a devastating critique, summed up in three simple words: Trump has no cards.