Podcast Summary: The Tucker Carlson Show Episode: Curt Mills: Trump Can Save America or Wage Another War, but He Can’t Do Both. Here’s Why
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: Tucker Carlson
Guest: Kurt Mills

Introduction

In this episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, host Tucker Carlson engages in a deep and provocative conversation with Kurt Mills about the current state of America's foreign policy, the lingering influence of neoconservatives, and the potential paths forward under President Donald Trump's administration. The discussion navigates through the complexities of Pentagon leadership changes, media influence, and the looming threats of war with Iran and Russia.

Pentagon Leadership and Neoconservative Influence

Carlson opens the discussion by highlighting the persistent yet waning influence of neoconservatives in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the aftermath of the Iraq War. He remarks on the surprising resilience of neocons attempting to sabotage Trump's nominations, despite Trump's victory being a repudiation of their ideologies.

Key Quote:

Carlson (00:00): "It's amazing to me that over 20 years after the Iraq war, its architects and supporters are still not fully in control of America's foreign policy, but certainly influential in it."

Kurt Mills elaborates on the recent confirmation of Mr. Hegseth as Defense Secretary, noting his apparent shift away from traditional neoconservative stances. Mills observes that Hegseth's appointments signal a departure from the Pentagon's established norms, suggesting a realignment with Trump's more pragmatic foreign policy approach.

Key Quote:

Mills (01:09): "He appears to have done a bit of a conversion on his foreign policy beliefs... the people that he's picked so far are stark departures from the man from 10 years ago."
(01:34)

Media's Role in Shaping Foreign Policy Narratives

Carlson criticizes the media for their aggressive tactics in discrediting individuals like Michael Dimino and Steve Wyckoff, portraying them as anti-American or agents of foreign adversaries without substantial evidence. He argues that this approach stifles honest debate and undermines national interests.

Key Quote:

Carlson (07:04): "They are trying to make the reader jump to the conclusion that he is anti Israeli, that he is pro Iranian."
(07:11)

Mills agrees, describing the media's actions as disinformation aimed at sabotaging the new Pentagon leadership. He points out that these attacks lack substantive evidence and are instead based on sensationalism and character assassination.

Key Quote:

Mills (05:20): "They are very, very willing to destroy this person with absolutely no compunction."
(08:04)

Potential for War with Iran vs. Russia

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the potential for future conflicts. Mills posits that a Democratic administration poses a higher risk of war with Russia, while a Republican one increases the likelihood of conflict with Iran. Carlson concurs but expresses a strong preference for avoiding both scenarios, emphasizing the dire domestic consequences of military engagements.

Key Quote:

Mills (27:02): "The biggest risk of a Democratic administration is a war with Russia. And the biggest risk of a Republican administration is a war with Iran."
(27:45)

Key Quote:

Carlson (26:31): "How do you afford that? We don't have any functioning community hospitals left."
(26:34)

Steve Wyckoff and Foreign Influence Allegations

Carlson brings up allegations against Steve Wyckoff, asserting that he is being unfairly branded as an agent of the Islamic Republic of Qatar. He challenges these claims, arguing that Wyckoff's actions align more with pragmatic diplomacy than with any foreign agenda.

Key Quote:

Carlson (11:12): "I think it's really significant that he's not a professional foreign policy figure... he's just a smart, tough, competent person who was charged with a task by the President and he got it done."
(23:26)

Trump's Foreign Policy Approach

The conversation delves into Trump's unique foreign policy style, characterized by unconventional methods and a departure from traditional diplomatic protocols. Mills suggests that Trump's approach might be breaking the hold of neoconservatives, allowing for a more sovereign and less interventionist U.S. strategy.

Key Quote:

Mills (75:00): "If he sees this through... you can just shut up."
(75:13)

Carlson praises Trump's ability to deliver tangible results, such as negotiating ceasefires, and contrasts this with the often ineffectual and bureaucratic methods of career diplomats.

Key Quote:

Carlson (24:15): "Could anyone from the State Department have done what Steve Wyckoff did?"
(24:21)

Mills (45:13): "Trump should complete the work of his first term... he should do a Trump Iran deal."
(45:23)

Media's Hindrance to Honest Debate

Both hosts express frustration with the media's reluctance to engage in honest debates about foreign policy. They argue that instead of fostering meaningful discussions, the media often resorts to ad hominem attacks and unfounded accusations, hindering the public's understanding of critical issues.

Key Quote:

Carlson (33:26): "But no, they're preventing discussion."
(33:31)

Mills (15:32): "This may seem obvious."
(74:43)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a mutual agreement on the necessity of reorienting U.S. foreign policy to better serve national interests without succumbing to endless wars that drain resources and destabilize the nation. Carlson emphasizes the importance of honesty and prioritizing American needs over foreign entanglements.

Key Quote:

Carlson (73:00): "It's an actual choice."
(73:04)

Mills (85:02): "Let's just stop lying."
(85:18)

Final Thoughts: Carlson and Mills warn of the dangers posed by entrenched foreign policy agendas and the media's role in perpetuating them. They advocate for a pragmatic and honest approach to foreign policy that prioritizes America's well-being and avoids unnecessary conflicts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Carlson (00:00): "It's amazing to me that over 20 years after the Iraq war, its architects and supporters are still not fully in control of America's foreign policy, but certainly influential in it."
• Mills (01:09): "He appears to have done a bit of a conversion on his foreign policy beliefs... the people that he's picked so far are stark departures from the man from 10 years ago."
• Carlson (07:04): "They are trying to make the reader jump to the conclusion that he is anti Israeli, that he is pro Iranian."
• Mills (05:20): "They are very, very willing to destroy this person with absolutely no compunction."
• Mills (27:02): "The biggest risk of a Democratic administration is a war with Russia. And the biggest risk of a Republican administration is a war with Iran."
• Carlson (26:31): "How do you afford that? We don't have any functioning community hospitals left."
• Carlson (11:12): "I think it's really significant that he's not a professional foreign policy figure... he's just a smart, tough, competent person who was charged with a task by the President and he got it done."
• Mills (75:00): "If he sees this through... you can just shut up."
• Carlson (24:15): "Could anyone from the State Department have done what Steve Wyckoff did?"
• Mills (45:13): "Trump should complete the work of his first term... he should do a Trump Iran deal."
• Carlson (33:26): "But no, they're preventing discussion."
• Mills (15:32): "This may seem obvious."
• Carlson (73:00): "It's an actual choice."
• Mills (85:02): "Let's just stop lying."

Final Remarks

This episode presents a critical examination of the interplay between political power, media influence, and foreign policy decision-making in the United States. Carlson and Mills advocate for transparency, honesty, and a renewed focus on national interests to steer America away from perpetual wars and towards sustainable prosperity.