The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Trump's Ceasefire and Its Discontents"
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In the June 24, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz engages in a dynamic discussion with executive editor Abe Greenwald, senior editor Seth Mandel, and contributing editor Eli Lake. The conversation centers around former President Donald Trump's recent involvement in negotiating a ceasefire amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the subsequent fallout, and broader geopolitical implications.

Trump's Ceasefire Initiative and the 12 Day War

The episode opens with John Podhoretz recounting Trump's announcement of a ceasefire during a NATO meeting, described in "biblical language" and characterized by a poetic tweet: "It was like at the 12th hour of the 11th day of the turning of the moon, there shall be a cessation of firing, and no, never again will the guns be loud." (00:57).

Eli Lake reflects on the strategic impact of Trump's intervention, urging a focus on the “geopolitical, enormous, miraculous change” this action signifies for the region and the world (03:23).

Iran's Response and Ceasefire Violations

As the ceasefire deadline approached, Iran initiated a barrage of missiles, leading to the destruction of a building in Beersheva and continued intermittent firing three hours post-deadline. This violation prompted a swift Israeli military response. Podhoretz summarizes the chaotic aftermath and Trump's frustration with both Israel and Iran's actions (01:42–03:17).

Abe Greenwald adds that the ceasefire was not synchronized for all parties involved, contributing to confusion and Trump's subsequent ire: "Trump tweeted that Israel had 6 or 12 hours after Iran's ceasefire started" (05:01).

Trump’s Reaction and US-Israel Relations

Trump’s dissatisfaction with the unfolding events led him to publicly chastise both Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Iranian leaders. He criticized the intelligence and decision-making processes, questioning whether the Iranians intended to breach the ceasefire (04:53).

Seth Mandel supports Eli Lake’s perspective, emphasizing the longstanding coordination between the US and Israel: "The US and Israel have worked together to do something extraordinary, and that will not be lost in any way to anyone over a throwaway Trump tantrum" (07:28).

Media Influence and Conspiracy Theories

The discussion shifts to the role of media figures like Tucker Carlson, who are perceived as undermining American interests by promoting anti-Israel and pro-Iran sentiments. Lake criticizes Carlson for apologizing to Qatar and downplaying Iran’s threats: "Iran's restraint ... has become a sort of tick, something they don't... it's happening in an era where we all see everything that's going on" (09:41).

Podhoretz connects the rise of conspiracy theories to pivotal moments like JFK's assassination, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how distrust in government fosters such narratives (43:18–51:21).

Political Implications and the 2025 New York Primary

John Podhoretz and his co-hosts delve into the contentious 2025 New York primary between Andrew Cuomo and Zoran Mamdani. Podhoretz criticizes Cuomo's past governance and personal misconduct while condemning Mamdani’s campaign associations with extremist actions, notably his campaign political director Julian Gerson's glorification of a healthcare executive assassin (57:00–63:44).

Seth Mandel and Abe Greenwald discuss the broader impact of such political dynamics, emphasizing the erosion of trust in mainstream political candidates and the rise of extremist ideologies within party ranks (60:27–64:11).

Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

The panelists express concern over the sustainability of the recent ceasefire, given Iran's history of missile attacks and the potential for further violations. They argue that Trump's actions have redefined US-Israel relations, asserting a new stance against rogue nations and reinforcing non-proliferation efforts.

Eli Lake remains optimistic about shifting political landscapes, advocating for a reality-based, pro-American, and pro-Israel political alignment to counteract the growing influence of conspiracy-minded factions (52:44–60:27).

John Podhoretz concludes by urging listeners to stay informed and critically assess political developments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong US alliances and countering misinformation campaigns (63:44–64:23).

Notable Quotes

• Eli Lake (03:23): "This was a geopolitical, like just enormous, miraculous change for the entire region and for the world."

• John Podhoretz (04:53): "The Iranian control command and communications are so screwed up that he doesn't even know if they intended the launch after the ceasefire."

• Seth Mandel (07:28): "The US and Israel have worked together to do something extraordinary, and that will not be lost in any way to anyone over a throwaway Trump tantrum."

• Eli Lake (09:41): "Iran's restraint... has become a sort of tick, something they don't."

• John Podhoretz (49:58): "We're all learning. The elite... that's another moment."

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s Ceasefire Efforts: Highlighted as a pivotal moment in US-Israel-Iran relations, with mixed reactions and outcomes.

• Iran’s Ceasefire Violation: Demonstrates the fragility of diplomatic agreements in volatile regions.

• Media and Conspiracy Theories: Increased skepticism and misinformation threaten informed public discourse and policy support.

• Political Landscape Shifts: Upcoming elections reflect deeper ideological divides and the struggle between mainstream and extremist factions.

• Future Geopolitical Stability: The episode underscores the need for vigilant diplomacy and strategic alliances to maintain regional peace and deter hostile actions.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the main discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear overview for listeners who have yet to engage with The Commentary Magazine Podcast.