Many critics of President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury have zeroed in on his unsuccessful attempts to engage the public in the fight against Iran, which has been ongoing for over a month. Last night, he delivered a prime-time address that some had called for. However, since this article was written before the speech, we can only cautiously predict mixed reactions.
It seems that around 35-40% of the public might approve of his remarks, while roughly the same proportion will likely disapprove. A significant portion of the population—perhaps 20-40%—may feel confused or indifferent.
Morning Glory: There’s a war in the Middle East. Did you know?
This split in public opinion might stem from the fact that views on Trump and his actions tend to remain stable. But things could change.
The president has a dedicated base that remains intact. His victory over then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the battleground states was a testament to this. That was a real measure of public sentiment.
Looking ahead, the autumn elections will be another critical gauge of public opinion. Various scenarios could unfold; for instance, Republicans might lose the House majority while retaining control of the Senate. It’s all a bit unpredictable. If the president has an ally or two from the Supreme Court, he could gain favorable media coverage before voting even starts, especially since the opposition may lose middle-ground voters through predictable reactions.
As for last night’s speech…
Trump will probably commend the U.S. military and Israeli support, claiming they have neutralized Iran’s threat. Analysts suggest Iran is now controlled by a military junta, and even if Khamenei’s fate is uncertain, he isn’t in control anymore. In fact, it’s unclear if the junta is proving effective at all.
With disrupted forces, we hear that they can barely manage to launch a few missiles, according to Adm. Brad Cooper of Central Command. Reports suggest that the Israeli Defense Forces are struggling to achieve their objectives, and perhaps American forces are too. This doesn’t imply these regimes aren’t capable of violence against their populace—it just indicates Iran is no longer a looming danger.
The region and the world are in a better state than they were a month ago, and explaining the current situation is complex. Although there’s still work to be done, it showcases a significant display of U.S. military strength, which deserves recognition—from the Pentagon strategists to the frontline troops. Israel, as a key ally, has again shown that it can count on U.S. support in dire times.
Morning Glory: Trump has repositioned the Republican Party as the party of defense.
Regardless of what Trump said, those who opposed him will join Democrats aiming for electoral victories this fall and find fault in his message. That’s just how America operates in 2026. No one is calling for a ceasefire in our political skirmishes.
That’s why I had some doubts about the necessity of such a grand speech from the Oval Office.
Consider Richard Nixon’s “Great Silent Majority” address back in 1969, where he laid out the rationale for the Vietnam War strategy. That speech gained traction and garnered support, with around 70 million viewers and a strong majority in agreement. It was a moment that shifted public opinion.
David Marcus: The idea of a ‘Civil War’ over Iran is exaggerated.
I didn’t foresee that Trump’s address would make waves like that. Americans are much more set in their political beliefs now—and have been for years. That’s what polarization does.
Our news consumption differs significantly from over 50 years ago. Nowadays, we’re bombarded with snippets from countless sources, making it tough for any Beltway analysts to shape a cohesive narrative. The old guard of American public opinion seems nonexistent. Reactions from the New York Times or major networks hardly matter anymore.
What holds weight now is the outcome. Many are closely following the clash between Iran’s clergy and its military regime. Yet perspectives vary widely. A large segment of the conservative electorate dismisses opinions from traditional media, which have drooped to near-zero trust levels among this group. Trump’s supporters generally back his actions, and those concerned about national security are already commending the removal of the Iranian threat.
The average person is likely relieved by the crumbling of the military regime, and that might keep happening. People who fill their gas tanks would want oil supplies flowing freely again. The key to tackling high prices could be increasing output from alternative sources, especially if Gulf Coast supplies are restricted. The president understands that rising gas prices frustrate everyday Americans and will push his energy team to act swiftly.
For now, the risk of nuclear weapons is nearly nonexistent, given the compromised ballistic missile capabilities controlled by fanatics. Israel will keep an eye on the discombobulated Iranian forces, ready to act if necessary. What’s important is the precedent set here—it’s both visible and impactful.
The world witnessed Iran’s aggressiveness earlier this year when they brutally suppressed their own people and launched missiles, displaying a capacity far smaller than advertised by the previous regime.
Humiliated and vulnerable, remnants of the old government may now be lurking in the shadows. They seem anxious, taking refuge deep underground, fearful of retribution, while the country faces dwindling finances and weaponry. The Iranian populace harbors deep resentment towards them. The military government may last a year or two—maybe not much longer. But there’s hope for Iran’s escape from its oppressive past.
One lingering thought from Wednesday’s address was whether the president would suggest America’s departure from NATO.
NATO has been the most effective military alliance, but its main player has just suffered a substantial blow to its reputation. Countries near Russia—like Bulgaria, Finland, and Poland—are crucial allies. However, what of the rest of Europe? The gratitude once shown for their rescue from tyranny has seemingly faded.
Key Takeaway: The U.S. has achieved a significant victory over a malevolent regime.
This recent operation claimed at least 13 American lives, with others sustaining serious injuries. It’s a hefty toll. The dangers that come with military and intelligence roles are real. As civilians, while we can’t fully repay those families, we should honor and support them.
But the current global and U.S. situation is much more favorable than it was five weeks ago. Ignoring this is akin to being oblivious to how dangerous Iran was just a month ago. Regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s speech, Trump has kept a promise made by every president since George W. Bush: preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
Many Americans already appreciate the president’s decisive actions. Regardless of whatever polls show about last Wednesday, historians will view that decision with respect.
