The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Velshi: Trump's war is not making U.S. stronger, has the nation asking 'What the hell is going on?'
Mar 7, 2026
J. Michael Luttig, former federal judge and legal scholar, offers concise constitutional analysis. He argues the recent military campaign likely lacks congressional authorization and may violate international law. Short, clear takes explore limits on regime-change and Article 51 self-defense. The conversation focuses on legality, separation of powers, and congressional abdication.
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War Started Without Public Backing
- Donald Trump's Iran war is broadly unpopular and lacks public support, unlike past conflicts where a rally-around-the-flag occurred.
- Polling shows most Americans oppose the war and are asking "what the hell is going on?", reflecting immediate skepticism and low approval for the president's actions.
War as Masculinity Contest Weakens America
- Timothy Snyder argues Trump's war is a masculinity contest and weakens the U.S. by breaking international and domestic institutions.
- Snyder calls the use of force illegal and warns institutional damage makes the country weaker, not stronger.
Public Sees War As Incompetent And Self-Serving
- Timothy Snyder says Americans quickly perceived the war as unplanned, costly, and unrelated to national interest.
- He suggests the war served private interests and attempted to manipulate public support and democratic processes.
