H.R. McMaster Releases Memoir on Trump Administration

H.R. McMaster's new memoir, 'At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House,' reveals significant differences between U.S. and South Korean approaches to North Korea during his tenure as national security advisor. He highlights a disagreement between former President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in regarding Kim Jong-un's motives for pursuing nuclear weapons, with Moon viewing them as defensive while Trump and his team suspected offensive intentions. McMaster's reflections during a 'Morning Joe' appearance prompted mixed reactions, with some panelists noting his reluctance to fully criticize Trump despite expressing concerns over Trump’s foreign policy interactions. The book offers a nuanced view of Trump, acknowledging his strategic responses to terrorism and competition with China while also pointing out his insecurities and vulnerabilities to foreign adversaries. Critics argue that McMaster's balanced portrayal lacks a strong warning against Trump's potential return to power. Overall, McMaster's account serves as both a critique and a defense of a tumultuous period in U.S. politics.