Retired U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal criticized President Donald Trump's foreign policy approach during a public appearance Friday at Tulane University's New Orleans book festival, characterizing it as a "we should do because we can" mentality.

McChrystal, who previously commanded NATO forces in Afghanistan, made the remarks during a discussion with Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. The general referenced lyrics from Dolly Parton's song "Jolene" to illustrate what he described as the administration's bellicose approach to international relations.

The discussion touched on recent U.S. military strikes that Trump has ordered since Christmas in Nigeria, Venezuela, and Iran. McChrystal's comments represent a rare public criticism from a high-ranking former military official regarding current foreign policy decisions.

McChrystal's military career included leading the Joint Special Operations Command and serving as commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan before retiring. His appearance at the literary festival provided a platform for his views on contemporary military and foreign policy matters.

The general's use of the popular country music reference to frame his criticism reflects an unconventional approach to discussing serious military policy matters in a public academic setting.