Trump’s Own Sharpest Supporters Admit the Iran War Is a Catastrophe

The narrative that Donald Trump’s Iran war is a strategic blunder is no longer confined to the left or liberal media. Christopher Caldwell, a conservative intellectual known for his thoughtful defense of Trumpism, bluntly calls the conflict “the end of Trumpism.” His recent essay in The New York Times declares America an empire in decline, with the Iran war laying bare the limits of U.S. military dominance.

Caldwell’s critique is sharp: the war has drained crucial military resources, forcing the U.S. to cannibalize weapons stockpiled for other vital regions like Europe and East Asia. He paints a grim picture of America’s options—either withdraw and admit weakness, divert resources from critical theaters, or escalate to devastating extremes that would bring lasting shame.

Public opinion mirrors this pessimism. A Washington Post/ABC News/IPSOS poll shows 61 percent of Americans believe military action against Iran was a mistake, with support for the war falling even among some right-wing figures who previously backed Trump. Media personalities like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens have voiced opposition, while pro-war outlets like The Daily Wire are losing audience and laying off staff.

Even establishment voices are signaling the need for a diplomatic exit. Tom Pickering, a seasoned diplomat, co-authored a Foreign Affairs essay advocating for “uncomfortable concessions” to end the conflict, including recognizing Iran’s sovereign rights and rebuilding the region’s infrastructure. Yet these sensible proposals clash with Trump’s need to maintain the illusion of unbroken victory.

The Iran war highlights a broader truth: the American empire is faltering, and Trump’s grandiose promises of strength and dominance are unraveling. For all his bluster, the war’s failure forces a reckoning that even his smartest supporters cannot ignore. The question now is whether Trump will confront reality or double down on a lost cause, dragging the country—and its global standing—down with him.