United States| MAGA, c’est moi

Why MAGA backs Donald Trump’s war—for now

If the conflict in Iran drags on, will his America First base stick with him?

AMERICAN PRESIDENTS often benefit politically when they lead the country into armed conflict. On the eve of the Gulf war in 1991 George H.W. Bush’s approval rating stood at 64%. Within days of launching Operation Desert Storm it surged to 82%. His son did even better: after declaring a “war on terror” and making the case for invading Afghanistan in 2001, George W. Bush’s approval rating leapt from 51% to 90%. It faded over the following year and a half, before jumping again to 75% at the start of the Iraq war.

Checks and Balance: Pete Hegseth and the risks of a macho military

Charlotte Howard, our New York bureau chief, on why divisive machismo is at the core of the Trump administration’s military policy

Kristi Noem’s ignoble legacy as homeland security secretary

She will not be remembered fondly by Americans or her workforce

States are embracing the MAHA food agenda

Robert F. Kennedy junior and company have built a powerful coalition

A once-proud tradition is becoming awkward for elite universities

The slow demise of the swim test

The New President of the United States

Our report from 1901

Donald Trump bets big on the Iran war

If it fails to pay off politically, will he cut his losses or double down?