Trump fumes at NATO after no help in Hormuz Strait, John Fetterman slams AOC as 'tone deaf,' ignorant over Israel genocide comments, James Talarico breaks silence, defends racism 'virus' tweet, and more | 3.18.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-03-18

Duration: 1 hr 2 min

What Happened

President Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with NATO, particularly criticizing the alliance's lack of support for U.S. efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has gone so far as to suggest that the U.S. might consider withdrawing from NATO, arguing that the alliance is a 'one-way street' that demands U.S. protection without reciprocating when needed.

Joe Kent, formerly the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned from the Trump administration over disagreements regarding Iran policy. Kent criticized the decision to go to war with Iran, blaming pressure from Israel for the conflict. His resignation has been met with both praise and criticism, highlighting divisions within Trump's circle.

In a different political arena, Senator John Fetterman has publicly criticized Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her comments regarding the situation in Israel and Gaza. Fetterman labeled AOC's comments as 'tone deaf' and 'ignorant,' especially given the historical context of the Holocaust and the current conflict.

Texas Senate candidate James Tallarico has faced backlash for previous statements on social media, including describing racism as a 'virus.' Tallarico defended his comments, arguing that they were taken out of context and emphasizing the importance of combating racism.

The Senate has voted 51-48 to begin debate on President Trump's Save America Act, a voter ID bill. The bill has faced opposition from some Republicans and Democrats, with Trump threatening not to endorse lawmakers who oppose it.

Chief Justice John Roberts has warned against personal attacks on judges, stating that such hostility is dangerous. This comes after President Trump criticized the Supreme Court for its decisions on tariffs, accusing the justices of being a disgrace to the nation.

Key Insights

• President Trump has criticized NATO's response to the U.S. military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting the U.S. may consider withdrawing from the alliance. This reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and its European allies over defense responsibilities.
• Joe Kent resigned from his position in the Trump administration over the Iran conflict, highlighting internal disagreements on foreign policy. Kent's resignation letter blamed Israel for pressuring the U.S. into a war with Iran, which he argued posed no threat to the U.S.
• Senator John Fetterman has criticized Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her comments on Israel, emphasizing support for Israel as a key U.S. ally. Fetterman's stance showcases the varied perspectives within the Democratic Party on foreign policy issues.
• Texas Senate candidate James Tallarico has defended his past statements on racism, describing it as a 'virus.' Tallarico argues that discussions on racism need to address systemic issues, although his metaphor has been controversial.