CNN host breaks rank to praise Donald Trump for being ‘on a roll’ after very 'consequential' week

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN host Michael Smerconish broke ranks to offer rare praise for Donald Trump, acknowledging that the president is “on a roll” in a glowing monologue analyzing his latest domestic and foreign policy achievements.

During the segment, the 63-year-old radio host highlighted several accomplishments of the Trump administration, including the controversial decision to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, an action that has drawn both support and criticism.

Smerconish also commended Trump’s recent visit to the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where the president engaged in intensive negotiations with allies on trade and defense cooperation.

Michael Smerconish claims Donald Trump is ‘having a moment’

Michael Smerconish opened his recent monologue by admitting that President Donald Trump is "having a moment." Despite frequently criticizing Trump in the past, the presenter pointed out that the last ten days may have been the most productive stretch of the president's second term.

"I've never shied away from voicing my disagreements with President Trump, whether on radio or here, particularly regarding trade, border control, and Iran. While I often agree with the goal, I frequently disagree with the approach."

"But viewed objectively, I have to say that Donald Trump has just had the best week or best 10 days of his second term,” he stated, according to Daily Express.

Regarding Trump’s controversial decision to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities, Smerconish added, “I'm still not sure bombing Iran was warranted. As I said last week, I’d have liked to see solid evidence that Iran was on the nuclear doorstep, rather than just take Prime Minister Netanyahu’s word for it, especially given what DNI Tulsi Gabbard testified in March, and what Trump himself was saying right up until Israel launched its strike.” 

The host then offered “an objective analysis” of the last two weeks before admitting that “he‘s been on a roll.”

"It might not be the roll you desire, but I like the word that David [Urban] used and that Salena Zito used in her column this morning: consequential. Who among us can deny how consequential Trump 2.0 is turning out to be? But in order to recognize that, you need to have an open mind about what’s transpiring," he said. 

Michael Smerconish highlights poll about Donald Trump

Michael Smerconish presented a poll asking his audience whether they were willing to keep an open mind about Donald Trump.

Near the end of the episode, he revealed the results: 72% of respondents said they would not approach Trump with an open mind.

"I applaud those of you who are part of the 72% who say you do not have an open mind on Donald Trump,” Smerconish said, according to Fox News. “And the reason I’m applauding you is not because I appreciate your closed-mindedness, I appreciate your candor. Like, you don’t want to hear it.”

He continued, “I made the case at the outset of today’s program that he’s had a good two weeks. No BS. He’s winning, maybe not in a way you want. There are many things he’s doing that I disagree with, and I tell you what they are. Every day on radio and once a week here. But you’ve got to stand back and say: it’s consequential. It is consequential. So, interesting.”