Trump, 79, Plans to Win Iran War By Having Nothing Left to Lose

The former president is relying on his good fortune to execute a script any reality star would write with himself as the impresario.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Donald Trump is waging war against Iran, his biggest gamble yet, as he expects to win and improve his standing with the electorate. Defying the lessons of history about the futility of regime change, Trump is working to decapitate Iran's brutal theocracy and is daring the people to rise up and take back their government. However, this war of choice has tepid public support, with half the country not trusting Trump to put country first.

Why it matters

This war was largely undertaken to improve Trump's standing with the electorate, as he was in political peril with his approval rating down 10 points since taking office. The chaos that Trump is unleashing poses considerable risk for the region and the world, with real life-and-death repercussions.

The details

Trump felt he had 'no choice' but to align himself with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has long sought military action against Tehran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims Iran was working towards nukes and that the Trump team had to act preemptively because Israel was about to launch its own strikes. However, this is a war of choice, and early polls show tepid support, with half the country not trusting Trump to put country first.

  • The war with Iran is just days old, with six U.S. servicemen already killed.
  • A week ago, Trump's approval rating was down 10 points since he took office.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president who is waging war against Iran in a bid to improve his standing with the electorate.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State who claims Iran was working towards nukes and that the Trump team had to act preemptively.

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense who says this war will be quick with no 'stupid rules of engagement' and that he won't rule out American boots on the ground in Iran.

Jonah Blank

A former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer who opposed the invasion of Iraq and believes it is more patriotic to oppose a president doing terrible damage to the country than to assist him.

Mark Kelly

A former fighter pilot and astronaut who faced prosecution by Trump's Department of Justice for reminding service members that they have the right and duty to refuse to follow illegal orders.

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What they’re saying

“It will cost an enormous amount of money and a certain number of American lives for a goal that doesn't necessarily help any Americans at all. Americans don't get anything out of this except it makes Trump feel like a big man.”

— Jonah Blank, Former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer (The Daily Beast)

“It is far more patriotic in my view to oppose a president who is doing terrible damage to the country than to assist him in doing that damage.”

— Jonah Blank, Former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer (The Daily Beast)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Senator Mark Kelly out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns about a president pursuing a war of choice to boost his own political standing, with little regard for the chaos and risk it poses to the region and the world. It raises questions about the role of Congress, the military, and the public in challenging a president who appears to be acting recklessly and prioritizing his own interests over the national interest.