Eyebrows raised as Vance's Middle East aide departs
Wesam H. Hassanein, Vice President JD Vance's special adviser for the Middle East, left the Trump administration to join Continental Strategy LLC, a lobbying firm connected to Republican circles.
In late February, when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began, Hassanein departed his position, though he claimed he remains "100% supportive" of Trump's Iran policy and didn't oppose the military operation.
He now works for Continental Strategy for its "family-oriented" culture and alignment with "America First policies," founded by former Ambassador to the Organization of American States Carlos Trujillo. Critics questioned the departure, with observers comparing it to "rats, sinking ships."
Political commentators questioned why appointees leave during difficult periods, with some suggesting the administration lacks credibility regarding Iran policy justifications.
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