Trump's Chief of Staff Warns of Backlash Over Iran War

Susie Wiles urges Trump's inner circle to be more honest about public opposition to the conflict.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:41pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary figure standing in the shadows of a government building, the faint glow of streetlights casting long shadows across the scene, evoking a sense of political unease and uncertainty.As tensions over the president's war decision escalate, a growing disconnect between the White House and public opinion threatens to further damage the GOP's political fortunes.Washington Today

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is growing increasingly concerned that President Donald Trump is being fed a watered-down version of the American public's overwhelmingly negative view of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Wiles has urged colleagues to be more forthright with the president about the political and economic backlash to the war, which she fears is only worsening the GOP's prospects ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

The disconnect between Trump's perception of public support for the war and the reality of widespread opposition could have significant political consequences for the Republican party in the upcoming midterm elections. Wiles' efforts to provide the president with a more accurate assessment of the situation suggest growing concerns within the administration about the war's unpopularity and potential to damage the GOP's electoral chances.

The details

Polling data shows that just 28% of Americans support the war with Iran, while 59% oppose it - a 23-point drop in support from a week earlier. The conflict has also led to a surge in oil prices, with gas prices nationwide topping $4 per gallon, and a rise in transatlantic airfares. At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 300 injured since the war began.

  • The war with Iran was launched on February 28, 2026.
  • An Economist-YouGov poll was released this week showing public opposition to the war.
  • Separate polling by Ipsos and AP-NORC was conducted between March 19 and March 23.

The players

Susie Wiles

The 68-year-old White House Chief of Staff who is currently battling breast cancer and has grown increasingly alarmed by the disconnect between Trump's perception of public support for the war and the reality of widespread opposition.

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old president who launched the war with Iran in coordination with Israel on February 28.

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What they’re saying

“Wiles has urged colleagues to be 'more forthright with the boss' about the political and economic backlash to the war, according to the outlet. The disconnect, she fears, is only worsening the political fallout for the GOP ahead of an already fraught midterm election cycle.”

— Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff

What’s next

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The takeaway

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