Donald Trump tried almost desperately to stop a new spiral of violence in the Middle East as Iran fired missiles at Israel again on Sunday, while the Jewish state was still considering its response. Trump looked helpless — and was humiliated: he claimed to have ordered Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu not to respond to the ayatollahs' attack. However, Netanyahu was not convinced.
It looks like that Trump has lost control of the war with Iranwhich he himself caused. And suddenly it fits into a certain pattern: Trump's power is visibly weakening, and at a lightning-fast pace.
Trump clearly wants to withdraw from the war with Iran. Dropping American bombs again is not an option for him – it is too risky for the global economy and his own popularity. That's why he has been constantly repeating for weeks how brilliantly and quickly the peace talks are supposed to be going. However, the ayatollah regime provokes and escalates the situation by shelling Kuwait and even Israel. This can no longer be hidden: after 100 days of war, Tehran appears strategically strengthened – and Trump's appeals fall on deaf ears.
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So far, Trump has stood firmly on Israel's side. However, the war with Iran has driven a wedge into this allied relationship. In an alleged argument over the phone, Trump insulted the Israeli prime minister, calling him “completely crazy.” It seems that America's most reliable ally until now – Israel – is no longer listening, especially after European NATO countries they had already refused to support him in the conflict with Iran. Moreover, Europeans are increasingly openly opposing him. The best example is the replies of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Trump's attacks against the Pope.
Rebellion within one's own party. “He can no longer count on the support of Congress as before”
Opposition to Trump's policies is also growing within his own party. There has been a revolt among Republicans over a planned fund to “reward” Trump loyalists — perhaps even those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Some conservatives are increasingly voting with Democrats: for example, on the initiative to limit Trump's war powers in the conflict with Iran or when voting to increase military aid to Ukraine.
— Trump's “lame duck” phase is now beginning. This means that he can no longer count on the support of the Congress as before, explains Prof. Scott Erb from the University of Maine at Farmington, foreign policy expert. The reason for discontent in the country is the failure in the war with Iran and Trump's focus on ego-teasing projects, such as his lavish ballroom or the UFC gala at the White House. These endeavors are more of a burden than a benefit.
— Secondly, the international community understood that the policy of appeasement towards Trump achieves nothing; that's why she's more ready than ever to stand up to him. Because the US is involved in the conflict with Iran and therefore weakened, Trump is easier to ignore, Erb adds.
Trump's bad streak
Also on the issue of Ukraine, Trump is becoming more and more of a supporting figure. Summits, phone calls and appeals failed to convince Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to change his position. Trump announced that he would end the conflict on his first day in the White House. However, more than 500 days have passed, and in the meantime Ukraine is no longer a supplicant and has gained an advantage thanks to its drones. And this despite Trump.
SHAWN THEW / PAP
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Washington, October 17, 2025
The extent to which these failures are taking a toll on Trump's psyche is demonstrated by an incident during an interview conducted by the station's Kristen Welker. Trump interrupted the conversation coldly. “I've had enough,” he said, got up and left.
Trump's popularity has dropped to record lows in recent polls. This is another warning sign. His second term, planned as a MAGA revolution, appears to be stalled on many fronts.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
