The Warning with Steve Schmidt Steve Schmidt: A Failed Excuse
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Mar 23, 2026 A sharp critique of leadership trapped between escalation and retreat. Analysis of mixed messages that mask risky war plans. Breakdown of a controversial island seizure proposal and its logistical dangers. Callouts of political self-interest driving troop deployments and praise for military competence amid poor messaging.
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Trump Trapped Between Escalation And Retreat
- Donald Trump has narrowed his world to limited choices, forcing escalation or retreat in the Iran conflict.
- Steve Schmidt frames Trump as trapped by his own rhetoric and base, making policy constrained by political survival rather than strategy.
Shifting Rationales Undercut Credibility
- The administration publicly offers shifting rationales for strikes, undermining credibility with changing objectives from regime change to nuclear programs.
- Schmidt lists multiple moving explanations and highlights Trump's repeated past claims about Iran's nuclear ambitions as inconsistent cover.
Public Opinion Opposes War Despite MAGA Support
- Public polling shows a majority of Americans oppose military action against Iran, while MAGA remains unanimously supportive.
- Schmidt cites specific poll figures: 66% see conflict as choice, 60% disapprove of U.S. action, and MAGA self-identified Republicans give Trump 100% approval.