The Warning with Steve Schmidt Steve Schmidt: This War Will Finish Trump
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Mar 3, 2026 Discussion of the unclear rationale driving U.S. military action in the Middle East. Critique of vague objectives and claims about reshaping Iran. Warnings that air strikes alone may spiral into a ground war and possible draft. Concerns about unequal burdens and long-term political fallout for the country.
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Confusion About Why America Is At War
- America has entered a war whose public rationale is unclear and contested among senior officials.
- Steve Schmidt cites conflicting explanations from Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and others to show deep confusion about objectives.
Short War Promises Versus Willingness To Prolong
- The Trump administration signaled an expectation of a short conflict but also a willingness to sustain it far longer.
- Steve Schmidt contrasts early projections of 'four to five weeks' with Trump's repeated claims he won't 'get bored'.
Vague Military Objectives And Political Ambiguity
- Senior officials framed objectives vaguely around degrading Iran's power projection and encouraging regime change.
- Schmidt quotes military leaders and Mark Milley saying Iran's missile, drone, and naval threats must be countered while hinting at political outcomes.