Trump's Economic Guru Stumbles Over 'War' Definition in Live Interview
Kevin Hassett, a key advisor to Donald Trump, just dropped a jaw-dropping bombshell on live television that left viewers scratching their heads. (Image: Getty Images)
During a recent segment on CBS, the discussion heated up over Trump's controversial remarks about a so-called "friendly blockade" against Iran. The former president claimed that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain until a deal is struck, while Iran retaliated by asserting that the strait is once again closed.
On CBS's Face The Nation, host Margaret Brennan confronted Hassett with a pointed question: "You said the blockade is still on. A blockade is an act of war. Are we at war with Iran?" Meanwhile, a CNN panel erupted in laughter as Trump appeared to dodge questions about his son's actions.
Hassett, the Director of the National Economic Council, fumbled his response, saying, "Iran shut down the straits. The only ones that were letting through were Iranians." But Brennan wasn't done; she pressed further, "So we’re still at war with Iran?"
In a moment of sheer confusion, Hassett replied, "Uhm. You know, I don’t know what the definition of war is when we’re not shooting and negotiating." This left viewers furious and bewildered.
Online reactions were swift and scathing. One user on X questioned, "If a blockade is literally called an act of war, what exactly are we pretending this is???” Another chimed in, "Is it only 'war' when the bullets fly — or when the blockade bites and the economy chokes?" Hassett’s blunder revealed a deeper issue: the White House can impose a blockade, suffocate Iran’s economy, and still claim it’s “not war” because no shots are fired.
As one observer noted, "If a blockade is an act of war yet Washington shrugs and says 'we’re not shooting,' then the definition of war is being rewritten in real time — not in old military manuals, but in the living room of every voter who hears 'no shooting' and wonders why gas prices feel like a battlefield."
Another viewer remarked on the peculiar demeanor of those involved, saying, "Why do they all have that weird smile? Like they are in on some inside joke on the rest of us." A different commentator added, "When we’re not shooting at each other and not negotiating it’s called Trump is bored; let’s find something else to do."
Critics continued to voice their frustrations: "We’re going to be there forever. He knows nothing nor does his staff know anything about negotiations." One final jab came from a viewer who stated, "Negotiating? Hassett’s obviously been kept out of the loop by the admin he works for."
