Veteran journalist Carl Bernstein suggested that the “three beneficiaries” of President-elect Trump’s appointments to key positions will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and China.
“Let’s look at the three beneficiaries of this election as reflected in these appointments in part, and that is Putin, Netanyahu, and the third — the third would really be…” Bernstein began Tuesday evening on CNN’s “NewsNight.”
Host Abby Phillip interjected, asking, “Xi Jinping in China?”
“Yeah, well, the Chinese,” he replied. “But the real thing is that these appointments are indicative of a new American position in the world, that we no longer are — NATO is no longer the significant leader in the world, that we are looking at a situation in Ukraine that has fallen to the disadvantage of Ukraine as a result of this election and what Donald Trump has said about a kind of settlement that he wants.”
Since his presidential victory, Trump has tapped several figures for key diplomatic roles.
The president-elect announced on Tuesday that he would nominate Pete Hegseth, an Army veteran and Fox News host, to serve as the Defense secretary. He also picked Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) to serve as Ambassador to Israel — a major diplomatic role amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Trump appointed Steven Witkoff, a New York businessman, as special envoy to the Middle East. The president-elect said in a statement that the role would entail Witkoff being a “voice for peace.”
Earlier this week, he announced his choice of New York Rep. Elise Stefanik (R) for ambassador to the United Nations. The congresswoman has limited diplomatic experience, though she has been critical of the U.N. and a sharp ally of Israel.
He also named a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, Tom Homan, as “border czar,” where he will be tasked with immigration crackdowns and overseeing “the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security,” according to a statement from the president-elect.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) was tapped for the Department of Homeland Security and Susie Wiles — a campaign adviser — will serve as White House chief of staff, the first woman to hold that title.
The Hill has contacted the Trump campaign for comment.
