Stephens, who has long criticized Trump for his governing style, now admits that the president’s term has had a better turn since his first 100 days in office. He praised Trump’s approach to NATO, noting that instead of breaking the alliance, Trump may be remembered for reviving and rebalancing it to the advantage of both sides.
Stephens also commended Trump’s decision to join Israel in its strikes on Iran. While acknowledging the political resistance within his own base, he noted that the strike did not lead to a disastrous Middle East war and instead helped bring the conflict to a swift resolution.
Additionally, he encouraged Trump’s adapted policy on the Russia-Ukraine war, citing the need to speed up the delivery of arms to Ukraine after Trump’s initial pressure campaign backfired. He also praised Trump’s immigration policy, although he noted that it might be ‘good policy that’s gone too far’ in terms of its enforcement.
Finally, despite noting that Trump’s $3.3 trillion spending package has many ‘unbeautiful’ aspects, Stephens admitted it was a ‘needed’ political victory for the president. He concluded that if Trump’s critics are to someday be effective, they must come to grips with the reality that not everything the president does is bad.