President Apocalypse

In the article, Tom Engelhardt reflects on the legacy of his publication, TomDispatch, and the current political climate under President Donald Trump. He reminisces about the early days of TomDispatch, which started as an informal listserv and evolved into a reputable source for critical journalism. Engelhardt praises the diverse voices and thoughtful analysis that TomDispatch has provided over the years, highlighting the work of notable contributors such as Barbara Ehrenreich, Chalmers Johnson, Andrew Bacevich, and Ann Jones.

He criticizes President Trump's leadership, describing him as an apocalyptic figure who presided over numerous wars and interventions. Trump's self-proclaimed Nobel Peace Prize claims are dismissed as delusional, as he has overseen over 20 military interventions during his tenure. Engelhardt acknowledges Trump's propensity for war and aggression, but argues that his claims of victory and annihilation of enemies are unfounded.

The author emphasizes the ongoing struggles faced by the world, including conflicts in various regions like Yemen, Iran, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan. He laments Trump's inability to learn from past mistakes and his continued support for wars of choice, despite the devastating consequences they have caused. Engelhardt concludes by emphasizing the importance of public intellectuals and national treasures like Tom Engelhardt, who continue to fight for a better world through their writing and advocacy.