Trump and Bibi: A Tale of Two Press Conferences

A Tale of Two Press Conferences

The future of Gaza in the era of the strongman

I’ve analyzed the similarities and differences between the February 2017 and February 2025 Trump-Netanyahu joint press conferences in the White House East Room. There are many critical differences, and all reveal that we have now fully entered the strongman era in the United States, with Trump at its center. Given his strongman approach, now evident for all to see, he will do his utmost to use his power, as well as powers the executive branch does not possess, to turn Gaza into what he envisions. As strongmen and strongman-style rule rush in to fill power vacuums in weak democracies, Jordan, Egypt and Gaza should be prepared for the onslaught. Strongmen know how to use power and don’t shy away from doing so.?

The Allure and Danger of the Strongman–Kati Marton and Jennifer Bardi

Hungarian author and journalist Kati Marton has a unique perspective on strongmen, having spent years covering Orban’s growing hold on her native country. In a conversation with Moment Deputy Editor Jennifer Bardi , she discusses both the allure and danger of strongmen, from those of history to the ones making up the current world order. Noting that Trump seems to be following Orban’s Hungarian playbook, she warns "There are many differences between the US and Hungary, Hungary being a country with minimal experience of Democracy. But our Democracy, as we speak, is being tested. And we are being tested."

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Remembering Marion Wiesel?

I love this photograph of Marion Wiesel (lower right) with her husband and Moment cofounder Elie Wiesel, and my friends Menachem and Jean Rosensaft on their? wedding day, which Elie officiated. Marion passed away on February 2, a few days after her 94th birthday. Read Jeant’s tribute to Marion here. The photo is one of 100 published in my book, Elie Wiesel: An Extraordinary Life and Legacy.