DAVID FRUM'S UNIFIED THESIS OF TRUMP'S FAILINGS

The U.S. war with Iran is not—despite promises from the White House—over. Nonetheless, premier national commentator David Frum is ready to declare a loser: Donald Trump. Together Harry and David piece through the interlocking personal failings of the president that foretold a winnable war against a far weaker enemy would become a debacle. And the two tackle how those traits shape Trump’s more successful pursuits: self-enrichment, going around the Constitution, and Mar-a-Lago-ifying the nation’s capital. 

Mentioned in this episode:

David's columns: ⁠https://www.theatlantic.com/author/david-frum/⁠

David's piece "Why Trump Lost": ⁠https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/05/why-trump-lost-iran/687291/⁠

David's podcast: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDamP-pfOskNgMNI1eg0pajQfRu-q3NUO

Harry speaks with David Frum