By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Project Freedom, a proposed dome over the Strait of Hormuz intended to ensure safe passage for vessels, was abruptly halted by Donald Trump shortly after its announcement. This sudden reversal followed an incident where a French cargo ship was struck, and it was revealed that Saudi Arabia, a key ally, had not been consulted and feared the project would provoke Iran, threatening access to their air bases. The article questions the strategic wisdom behind this policy shift, contrasting the project’s brief existence with the ongoing geopolitical complexities and the president’s shifting pronouncements regarding Iran. Despite setbacks in foreign policy, the article suggests Trump maintains a strong hold on the Republican Party, as demonstrated by a recent election where dissenters faced significant opposition.
Read the original article here
Donald Trump’s long-standing self-proclaimed title as a “genius dealmaker” is facing a level of scrutiny that makes the assertion seem, frankly, absurd. It’s not a new observation, but the sheer volume of evidence now suggests a consistent pattern of questionable decision-making and self-serving maneuvers that defy any reasonable definition of skillful negotiation.
Looking back at his earlier ventures, the narrative of a master negotiator begins to unravel. Even the genesis of his famous book, *The Art of the Deal*, was reportedly a deal so unfavorable to him that it’s been described as one of the worst in publishing history. This wasn’t due to him being outmaneuvered by a cunning publisher, but rather a fundamental lack of understanding. He apparently didn’t bother to learn how the publishing world, or ghostwriting arrangements, typically operated, operating under the assumption that his innate brilliance was sufficient. The fact that the actual writer was eager to take on the project should have been a glaring sign, yet it seemingly eluded his supposed dealmaking acumen.
This pattern of acting without proper preparation or understanding has followed him. Consider the Iran nuclear deal. Rather than engaging with the existing agreement, a move widely seen as beneficial and followed by all parties, he chose to unilaterally withdraw. The motivations cited, which included an alleged discomfort with a deal brokered by a Black man, point away from strategic negotiation and towards personal bias. The outcome? Iran finds itself in a more advantageous position, while national debt soars to levels not seen since World War II, now even exceeding the GDP. To claim genius in such a scenario is to stretch credulity to its breaking point.
For those who engage in serious business, Trump’s approach has never been a mystery. Many believe that, despite any recent controversies, he would have accumulated far greater wealth by simply investing his inherited fortune into the S&P 500. His primary expertise seems to lie in declaring bankruptcy, a tactic that, while potentially a business move, hardly qualifies as skillful dealmaking. The notion that Iran is “doing it wrong” by not capitulating to his every demand is a telling indictment of his worldview, where disagreement is seen as failure and compromise as weakness.
When self-dealing is factored in, a different kind of “genius” emerges – one focused on personal enrichment. Reports of substantial financial gains since taking office, coupled with questions about funds allocated for presidential libraries and renovations, paint a picture of exploiting his position for personal benefit. The alleged diversion of funds, no-bid contracts awarded to associates, and even seemingly trivial expenditures like a substantial sum to paint a pool blue, all suggest a transactional approach where personal gain trumps public service or fair negotiation. By this metric, he might be the “best” self-dealmaker in American history.
His ability to communicate, or lack thereof, further complicates the “genius” claim. Some argue that he struggles with basic English, making complex negotiations even more improbable. The narrative of his business career is often characterized by being constantly broke, inflating his wealth, evading taxes, bullying banks into favorable terms, and relying on infusions of cash from wealthy associates who later receive government positions. This isn’t dealmaking; it’s coercion and dependency. His “bully” tactics, which might work in certain circles, fall flat when confronted by world leaders who are not easily intimidated.
The idea that his claim to genius has ever been anything but ridiculous is questionable. His numerous bankruptcies and business failures are public record, serving as stark counterpoints to any assertion of exceptional business acumen. Furthermore, his promises, such as resolving the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office, have proven to be entirely unsubstantiated, highlighting a disconnect between his rhetoric and reality.
The “deal” he offers his base is often perceived as permission to embrace racism, misogyny, ignorance, greed, and callousness. This, in essence, is his “Art of the Deal,” amplified by a feedback loop of partisan media and a populace lacking media literacy. The notion of bankrupting a nation, alongside his other failures, further undermines any claim of masterful negotiation. Presenting a threat of nuclear annihilation as a means to resolve a conflict he himself escalated is not genius; it’s the behavior of an incompetent.
It seems he has a talent for messing up existing arrangements only to re-enter them with his name attached, a perpetual cycle of “failing upwards.” The constant barrage of what is perceived as gaslighting and outright lies makes the unwavering devotion of some supporters a genuine mystery. Examining his actual deals would likely reveal a negotiator who relies on bullying tactics rather than genuine skill.
His claim to genius is, for many, only believable to a specific segment of the population, often referred to as “red hat wearers.” Beyond that echo chamber, the perception is far less flattering. His past, marked by multiple bankruptcies, failed businesses, and a reputation for marital infidelity and being a convicted felon, further erodes any credibility as a gifted dealmaker. The idea that he could outwit individuals like Stephen Hawking or even the Hulk is a testament to the fantastical world he inhabits.
Despite these considerable doubts, it’s acknowledged that he has, at times, wielded significant influence over other branches of government. However, the claim of being a genius dealmaker has looked absurd for decades. His supporters often treat his pronouncements as scripture, ignoring the reality of his track record.
He may be a legend in his own mind, but to many, he’s peddling snake oil. While having ample money and lawyers can facilitate agreements, and extortion might be a skill, his consistent ability to “fuck up everything” over decades, despite immense resources, points not to genius, but to a profound lack of it. He seems to be the only one who believes the narrative of his own brilliance.
The “exceptionally brilliant” individual who guards his college transcripts closely offers little tangible evidence of his supposed intellect. For those with a discerning eye, the absurdity of his claims remains as pronounced as ever, despite the continued worship from a segment of the populace. The focus, some argue, should shift from debating his self-proclaimed genius to actively resisting what they perceive as a grifting conman who enriches himself at the expense of everyone in his sphere of influence, most notably the entire United States during his presidency.
His modus operandi appears to be bankrupting entities and profiting from the wreckage, a process he likely can’t even articulate. He’s more accurately described as a rich clown riding on the coattails of others, whom he likely then betrays. The question remains: beyond the hype and the book title, what truly famous deals has he actually made? The claim has always been ridiculous, a performance for a specific audience that often overlooks the substantial evidence to the contrary.