Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels

In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump has found himself in an increasingly difficult political position, struggling to articulate both the rationale for the conflict and his strategy for bringing it to a conclusion.

The president has grown visibly agitated with media coverage of the war, even claiming on Saturday that “Media actually want us to lose the War.” His broadcast regulator subsequently issued threats to pull broadcast licenses unless news outlets “correct course,” a move that has raised concerns about press freedom.

As American casualties mount and economic consequences deepen, public support for the conflict appears to be waning. The death toll of U.S. soldiers has continued to rise this past week, adding to the six service members whose dignified transfer Trump attended before spending the following day golfing at one of his South Florida properties.

The conflict has significantly disrupted global energy markets, with Iran effectively closing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s traded oil flows. The resulting supply shortages have sent oil prices soaring and financial markets tumbling, creating economic ripple effects that are being felt by American consumers.

On Saturday, Trump suggested for the first time that the U.S. would need international assistance to secure the strait. “Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote, later adding that “this should have always been a team effort.”

However, it remains unclear whether this multinational effort is actually set to begin or merely represents the president’s aspirations. Britain’s defense ministry acknowledged discussions about “a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region” but provided no specific details or timeline.

The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz undercuts Trump’s recent declaration at a Kentucky rally that “We’ve won. We won the, in the first hour, it was over.”

In a controversial move that has drawn criticism from allies, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a 30-day waiver on Russian sanctions, ostensibly to free up Russian oil cargoes stranded at sea and help ease supply shortages. Energy analysts point out that spiraling oil prices due to Persian Gulf disruptions are directly benefiting the Russian economy, which relies heavily on oil revenue to finance its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the decision, calling it “not the right decision” that “certainly does not help peace” because it strengthens Russia’s position.

The conflict has created an unusual political realignment, with Democrats—who were left reeling after Trump’s 2024 election victory—now finding common ground in opposing his Iran policy. With control of Congress at stake in November’s midterms, Democrats are highlighting the economic turmoil as evidence that Republicans have failed to deliver on promises to reduce everyday costs for Americans.

“I think Democrats are well-positioned for this November and the midterms,” said Kelly Dietrich, CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee. “They’re flying by the seat of their pants, and rest of us are paying the price.”

Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky warned on Fox News Channel that if gas and oil prices remain high, “you’re going to see a disastrous election” for the GOP.

The war has even created divisions within Trump’s “Make America Great Again” base, with prominent right-wing figures like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly criticizing the president’s actions. Some supporters who were drawn to Trump’s promises to end foreign entanglements now find themselves questioning his decision to initiate a new conflict.

When asked about his message to voters concerned about high gas prices, Trump offered assurances that prices would decrease “as soon as this is ended,” though he provided no timeline for when the conflict might conclude.

Democratic strategist Brad Bannon sees an opportunity in this economic uncertainty: “Democrats just have to keep reminding people that he made a promise to bring prices down, and they’re still going up. And now they’re going to go up even more because prices in gasoline can increase prices of everything else, including at the grocery store.”

Some Democratic strategists are now predicting potential midterm gains rivaling the “blue wave” election during Trump’s first term in 2018, as economic concerns and questions about the administration’s handling of foreign policy continue to mount.