As president of the United States, considering the long-term consequences before engaging in war is crucial. President Donald Trump, however, is known for his impulsive decision-making, as noted by Peter Baker in the New York Times. Trump believed a conflict with Iran would be brief, dismissing concerns from critics about a prolonged war. The conflict began on February 28. On March 1, Trump estimated it would last four to five weeks. By March 5, he claimed the U.S. military and Israeli partners were rapidly dismantling the enemy and exceeding expectations. Just days later, Trump declared the U.S. was winning decisively, stating that Iran’s military capabilities were being eliminated.

However, it is now August, and the war lingers. Negotiations have stalled, and public sentiment has shifted. An Associated Press poll indicates that about 64% of Americans believe the war is not worth fighting. Among Democrats, 87% oppose the war, and 37% of Republicans share this sentiment. This opposition serves as repudiation of Trump’s approach, which has failed to wrap up the conflict within his optimistic timeframe.

Recent polls reflect unfavorable standings for Trump, with only 34% support in CNN’s latest survey, parallel to his lowest popularity following the Capitol attack in 2021. The AP-NORC poll shows 33% approval, while Quinnipiac poll records 32%. Despite these numbers, Trump insists, particularly on Truth Social, that his poll ratings are at their peak.

Republicans, especially those facing reelection, are concerned. Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster, noted to the Times that even though Democrats lack a clear messaging strategy beyond criticizing Trump, ongoing negative circumstances might still aid them.

Trump must decide on a definitive course of action regarding Iran. Continued promises to overpower Iran or diplomatic approaches seem to have diminished his credibility both domestically and internationally. Failure to execute a clear strategy leaves Americans uncertain about future developments. If current negotiations collapse, Trump’s choices include exerting pressure sufficient to bring Iran to negotiate terms favorable to the U.S., including opening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran’s nuclear disarmament, or withdrawing from the conflict entirely and declaring victory, albeit unconvincingly.

The midterms are approaching, urging Trump to select a path that addresses this major foreign policy challenge.

Bernard Goldberg, an Emmy and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia award-winning journalist, is the author of several books and publishes exclusively on Substack. Follow him @BernardGoldberg.

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