‘I’m not a child psychologist’: Seth Moulton says he can’t understand Trump after Iran address

Seth Moulton said Donald Trump lacks a clear plan, warned of risks to US troops, and said he understands deployed Marines from his own experience
Seth Moulton told Chris Hayes he could not assess Donald Trump’s stance on ground troops, saying he cannot understand Trump’s thinking (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Seth Moulton told Chris Hayes he could not assess Donald Trump’s stance on ground troops, saying he cannot understand Trump’s thinking (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Seth Moulton was at a loss for words after President Donald Trump’s live address on the Iranian conflict, saying, “I’m not a child psychologist," when asked about the president’s address.

Trump gave a 20-minute-long address on his administration’s stance on the Iranian conflict.

The address was expected to shed some light on what the administration aims to achieve in the conflict, but what was delivered was largely a repetition of what the president has already said.

Seth Moulton slams Trump speech lacking Iran strategy

Following the address, Moulton reacted during a television appearance, where he was asked to evaluate Trump’s remarks and messaging.



After the speech, Rep Moulton appeared on MS NOW, where Chris Hayes asked about potential ground forces.

“On the question of the use of ground troops, the only thing that I felt I took away – and again, I could be telling myself a lie here because anything can change – it did seem like that was not the direction things were going, a ground invasion,” Hayes said.

“Did you get that sense?” “Chris, I’m not a child psychologist, so I can’t understand the mind of Donald Trump,” said Moulton, replying to Hayes.  

President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

“But the reality is that we have thousands and thousands of paratroopers headed to the Middle East or already arrived right now, which makes me incredibly concerned, you know? I’ve talked to some of their parents.”

He also suggested the speech did not provide the clarity that some had expected, as questions remain about the administration’s long-term strategy in the conflict.

Seth Moulton warns on future of US troops

Moulton also spoke about the future of troops and the Americans being deployed. 

“I know what some of those Marines are thinking because I’ve been in those same shoes. I’ve been on ships headed to the Middle East.”

(Congressman Seth Moulton/Facebook)
Seth Moulton suggested the speech did not provide the clarity that some had expected, as questions remain about the administration’s long-term strategy in the conflict (Congressman Seth Moulton/Facebook)

“But even in Iraq, for all the problems with that war, at least there was a plan. At least Congress had voted on it. At least the American people had weighed in. At least the generals had come before Congress and put forward a plan.”

“None of that exists today. And so, I think this could get a lot worse.” The exchange highlighted differing reactions to the address, with some lawmakers seeking more detailed explanations of US objectives and next steps. 



“When more Americans start coming home in body bags, this is going to not only just get immeasurably worse for us, for our nation, for our troops, but it’s going to be harder for the president to get himself out.”

The president did not outline major new policy changes during the speech, instead reiterating previous positions on the conflict and US strategy.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A federal appeals court blocked key parts of Donald Trump's mail voting order in 23 states, dealing another legal setback to his administration
4 hours ago
The US State Department confirmed the officials were scheduled to visit Brazil for discussions on election integrity and other issues
5 hours ago
Karoline Leavitt highlighted tax cuts, deregulation and lower costs as key to the GOP's economic message before the 2026 elections
6 hours ago
This comes as the White House continues diplomatic efforts with Tehran while maintaining that military options remain available if necessary
7 hours ago
Hunter Biden said President Donald Trump lacks self-awareness, arguing he cannot laugh at himself and instead routinely mocks other people
9 hours ago
Mitch McConnell's prolonged absence sparked conspiracy theories, including Laura Loomer's false claim that he was brain dead
13 hours ago
White House sources said Trump privately leaned toward backing JD Vance but stopped short of endorsing him, keeping Republicans guessing
14 hours ago
On Friday, July 24, Trump paused daily strikes but kept US forces ready to quickly resume operations if talks failed or Iran escalated the conflict
14 hours ago
President Trump's latest AI post followed his vow to hold Canada responsible for wildfire smoke drifting into the United States
15 hours ago
The Vermont senator said a court filing admitting some green energy grants were canceled based on recipient states' politics exposed 'authoritarian' conduct
16 hours ago