Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels

The U.S. and Israel's strikes on Iran have created political and economic turmoil for President Trump.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:36am

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Two weeks into the war with Iran, President Donald Trump has faced growing political and economic challenges. The conflict has led to rising oil prices, falling financial markets, and American casualties, undermining Trump's claims of victory. Democrats have united in opposition to Trump's Iran policy, and even some of his supporters are questioning his strategy. Meanwhile, Russia is benefiting from the disruption to global energy markets, and Trump is now seeking help from the international community to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

The war with Iran has far-reaching political implications for Trump, with the midterm elections just months away. The economic turmoil caused by the conflict, including rising gas prices and market volatility, could hurt the GOP's chances in the midterms. Democrats are already seizing on the issues to criticize Trump's leadership and paint the Republican party as unable to keep its promises to voters.

The details

In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, President Trump has faced growing political and economic challenges. The conflict has led to rising oil prices, falling financial markets, and American casualties, undermining Trump's claims of victory. Trump is increasingly complaining about media coverage of the conflict and has suggested the U.S. will need to rely on the international community to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, where transportation has been severely disrupted. The war has also benefited Russia, with the U.S. easing some sanctions on Russian oil shipments, which has undercut the push to crimp President Vladimir Putin's ability to wage war in Ukraine.

  • Two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran
  • Last weekend, Trump golfed at one of his South Florida properties a day after witnessing the dignified transfer for six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war
  • The death toll from the war in Iran rose this past week

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who launched the strikes on Iran.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whose ability to wage war in Ukraine has been bolstered by the disruption to global energy markets caused by the conflict with Iran.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine, who criticized the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil shipments as empowering Putin.

Rand Paul

A Republican Senator from Kentucky who suggested that if gas and oil prices continue to stay high, it could lead to a "disastrous election" for the GOP in the midterms.

Kelly Dietrich

The CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee, who said the past two weeks show the Trump administration has failed at long-term planning and that "they're flying by the seat of their pants, and rest of us are paying the price."

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What they’re saying

“You're going to see a very big decrease in the prices of gasoline, gas, anything having to do with energy, as soon as this is ended.”

— Donald Trump (Interview)

“if gas and oil prices continue to stay high 'you're going to see a disastrous election' for the GOP.”

— Rand Paul, Republican Senator from Kentucky (Fox News Channel)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.