Hutchinson calls Trump an ‘isolationist’

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) called former President Trump an “isolationist” during a Thursday forum at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC

“Donald Trump fundamentally believes in a ring around the United States,” Hutchinson told moderator Blake Burman, host of “The Hill on NewsNation.” “In fact, he’s used those words. And so, he moves more isolationist.”

Hutchinson noted that he doesn’t believe Trump’s approach to the Russia–Ukraine war has been correct.

“He wants to give in to Putin, Russia [on] ukraine. I disagree with him on that point,” he added.

Another GOP 2024 presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, also recently took aim at Trump’s foreign policy after the former president criticized Israel and called the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah “very smart” while discussing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

“Terrorists have murdered at least 1,200 Israelis and 22 Americans and are holding more hostage, so it is absurd that anyone, much less someone running for President, would choose now to attack our friend and ally, Israel, much less praise Hezbollah terrorists as ‘ very smart,’” DeSantis wrote in a post last week on

Israel’s Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi, also condemned Trump’s comments, calling them “shameful.”

NewsNation is a cable news channel started by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. The Hill show on NewsNation airs Monday to Friday at 5 pm EST.