In “Trumpworld,” Toppling Rulers Is Taboo

Jun 20, 2025 Khushi Kumari

When it comes to overthrowing foreign leaders, Trump holds a firm line: in his world, regime change is off the table

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As conflict with Iran heats up, Trump insists direct attacks risking regime collapse are off-limits—prioritizing negotiation over war

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Since 2016, Trump has rejected efforts of regime-toppling, focusing the U.S. mission narrowly on counterterrorism and diplomacy

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Trump reportedly vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Supreme Leader Khamenei, stating U.S. targets must initiate such changes

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Trump resists regime change due to past interventions in Iraq and Libya that destabilized nations—he sees them as cautionary tales

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National Security Advisor John Bolton advocated for Iran’s overthrow. Trump dismissed him, citing unpredictable fallout from radical change

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Trump’s realpolitik view: negotiate with whoever holds power, regardless of democratic credentials—mirroring Kissinger’s approach

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