100 days into the war on Iran, Trump fails to rally US support
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- U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran on Feb 28, claiming to have killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top officials, plus hundreds of civilians.
- University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll showed only 16% of US voters think the US is winning the war, while 33% of Republicans say the war has more negative than positive effects.
- Shibley Telhami called the poll results "stunning" and warned that the war's negative perception among Republicans is a turning point for Trump.
- Trump continues to assert victory in the war, yet the lack of public backing is a political liability as Democrats aim to retake Congress in the November midterms.
- Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict erupted, driving oil and gas prices up, and the blockade remains despite an April 6 truce and ongoing skirmishes.
Why it matters: Trump risks losing electoral support as 33% of Republicans see the war as detrimental, while Democrats gain momentum for the November midterms. The war’s unpopularity also hampers U.S. strategic leverage in the region.
