Trump Claims Victory in Iran War, Despite Ongoing Tensions

The president's tendency to redefine losses as wins has become a governing principle, say former aides.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:56am

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In an analysis, the Associated Press examines how President Donald Trump has a long history of declaring victory, even in the face of setbacks. The latest example is Trump's claims of success in the war with Iran, despite ongoing tensions and Iran's continued control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's unwillingness to acknowledge defeat has been a consistent pattern throughout his business and political career, dating back to the 1970s.

Why it matters

Trump's ability to reframe losses as wins has allowed him to maintain a narrative of perpetual success, which has been a key part of his political appeal. However, this approach can obscure the reality of complex situations and make it difficult to address real challenges facing the country.

The details

The article cites numerous examples of Trump declaring victory in the face of setbacks, from his business dealings to the 2020 election. Even as the war with Iran continues, with Iran striking U.S. and allied targets and maintaining control of a key waterway, Trump has insisted the U.S. has accomplished its goals. This pattern of behavior has been a consistent part of Trump's approach, dating back to his early days as a real estate developer when he was taught by his lawyer Roy Cohn to never admit defeat.

  • In January 2004, Trump acknowledged failures in the 1980s in the pilot of 'The Apprentice'.
  • In 2016, Trump insisted his Atlantic City casinos had been 'a great period' for him, despite their bankruptcies.
  • In 2018, Trump claimed to have won a golf tournament at one of his own clubs, even though he did not actually play in the tournament.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, known for his tendency to reframe losses as wins.

Roy Cohn

Trump's former lawyer who taught him to never admit defeat.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The former supreme leader of Iran, who was killed during the war with the U.S.

Mojtaba Khamenei

The new supreme leader of Iran, seen as more hard-line than his predecessor.

Sarah Matthews

A former Trump White House deputy press secretary who resigned after the January 6th Capitol riots.

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What they’re saying

“It's much easier to lead when you're successful and you're winning. I always like to hang around losers, actually, because it makes me feel better.”

— Donald Trump, President

“The world for him is divided into winners and losers. And he's always a winner.”

— John Bolton, Former National Security Adviser

“Winning is an attitude, not a collection of facts. Winning is, in this case, always defined by the person doing the winning.”

— Robert Thompson, Professor of Television and Popular Culture

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's tendency to redefine losses as wins has become a governing principle, allowing him to maintain a narrative of perpetual success. However, this approach can obscure reality and make it difficult to address real challenges facing the country.