Thiessen’s Loyal Support for Trump

How much flattery does it take to win the favor of President Donald Trump? Perhaps you’d need to ask Marc Thiessen, a notable figure in that circle.

Thiessen, known for his role as a Washington Post columnist, Fox News contributor, and a strong advocate for aggressive policies toward Iran, has recently become a staunch ally of the president. Reports from Axios earlier this year mentioned that Thiessen, along with General Jack Keene and Senator Lindsey Graham, was encouraging Trump to reignite a military conflict with Iran to break current impasses. It appears this might be gaining traction.

A recent report by Semaphore highlighted Thiessen’s growing influence, noting he has become a favored confidant to Trump. He claims his supportive columns regarding Ukraine have helped shape the president’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine situation. Thiessen even attended a dinner at the White House where Trump complimented his wife’s charm—a detail that perhaps hints at his deeper connections within the administration. Some colleagues at the Washington Post have expressed frustration, feeling that his columns cater to a specific audience rather than providing a wider perspective.

Semaphore elaborated on this point, stating some in the industry were skeptical of what they perceived as pandering in Thiessen’s work and that there were complaints about his columns being too focused on one demographic.

To illustrate Thiessen’s obsequiousness, Semaphore pointed out several striking examples from his writings and social media interactions. He once suggested Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize, and even implied that the president should assist Ukraine in building a wall to deter Russian advances, given Trump’s affinity for border walls. Recently, he lauded Trump as a ‘genius’ for his handling of Iran, citing that victory could be achieved by defending oneself while adversaries falter.

It seems like eight instances of flattery might not be enough. Maybe it requires much more than that—certainly more than just a friendly grin when the president compliments your spouse.

On a serious note, I’m a bit alarmed that Thiessen, a figure tied to past decisions regarding Iraq, is now in a position to influence the president on potential military actions in the Middle East again. It’s disheartening to see how many entrenched elites in Washington can avoid accountability and yet still find ways to ingratiate themselves with power. We could be in real trouble if the president takes advice from those who previously promoted dubious claims about weapons of mass destruction before the Iraq invasion.