Trump Faces Shadow War from Within and Without

President's second term threatened by subversive allies and outside voices

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:00am

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President Donald Trump's second administration is facing a highly coordinated shadow war, waged both by some influential outside voices on the Right and by their subversive allies within Trump's own government. This campaign threatens to undermine Trump's agenda and drift his second term into lame-duck status, if not confronted and defeated.

Why it matters

The shadow war against Trump, if successful, could severely hamper his ability to effectively govern and implement his agenda during his second term. The divisions within the Republican party and the administration itself pose a serious threat to Trump's political power and legacy.

The details

Certain high-profile conservative media figures like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have launched a full-scale assault on Trump and his agenda, especially his foreign policy decisions regarding the conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, Trump is facing sabotage from within his own administration, with figures like Tulsi Gabbard in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and former officials like Dan Caldwell and Joe Kent undermining the president's priorities.

  • The joint American-Israeli military operation against Iran is now three weeks old.
  • Last summer, Carlson, Kelly and others accused Trump of covering up a global pedophile ring.
  • This week, former ODNI official Joe Kent resigned and went on Tucker Carlson's show.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 47th President of the United States, currently serving his second term.

Tucker Carlson

A prominent conservative media personality and host of a popular podcast.

Megyn Kelly

A former Fox News host who has also become a conservative media figure.

Tulsi Gabbard

The current Director of National Intelligence, a former Democratic Congresswoman with a pro-Moscow slant.

Dan Caldwell

A former ODNI official who was recently rehired by Gabbard after being dismissed last year.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The White House Presidential Personnel Office must ensure that all administration officials are fully aligned with President Trump's agenda, and the president must work with his top loyalists to root out any remaining subversive elements.

The takeaway

The shadow war against President Trump, both from outside voices and internal saboteurs, poses a serious threat to the success of his second term. Decisive action is needed to confront and defeat this coordinated effort to undermine the president's authority and agenda.