Maggie Haberman, a New York Times journalist and co-author of the new book 'Regime Change,' suggested Thursday that Donald Trump has yet to grasp the political damage his Iran war is inflicting on his presidency.
Haberman argued on a news program that the White House is acutely aware the war, launched by the president in February, has become deeply unpopular with his MAGA base. This is largely due to his previous 'America First' promises not to involve the U.S. in another lengthy and costly conflict.
Advisers Understand the Fallout, Trump Does Not
Haberman noted that Trump's advisers 'absolutely understand' the political fallout. However, she added, 'Trump absorbing it, I think, is a different issue.' She highlighted that 'one of the things that has been so radically different about this term, among many, many others from term one, is he's so much less responsive to domestic politics.'
Haberman revealed that one Trump official said the administration needed the Iran war to be 'off the front pages by September.' She commented, 'Well, this is not heading that way right now. They are very aware and concerned. He is not as focused on it as they are.'
MAGA Base Reaction
The discussion included an anecdote from a co-host who said, 'I was down the shore for the Fourth of July. I did not see one Trump flag, which is shocking. Not one. Do they understand how people have reacted, how the MAGA base, Republican voters, have reacted to this war?'
Haberman's comments underscore a growing disconnect between Trump and his political team regarding the war's impact on his reelection prospects.
