Trump delivers conflicting messages in prime-time speech — we need clarity 

Last night, President Trump stepped in front of the American people with a message: This war is working. He called it decisive. He called it overwhelming. And most importantly, he said it’s nearing completion.  

“In these past four weeks,” said Trump, “our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield — victories like few people have ever seen before. Tonight, Iran’s navy is gone. Their air forces in ruins. Their leaders, most of them terrorist regime they led are now dead.” 

But here’s the disconnect — the president is declaring victory, while simultaneously preparing Americans for more war.  

He says we’re close to the end, but in the same breath warns of even more aggressive strikes if there’s no deal. “As I stated in my announcement of Operation Epic Fury, our objectives are very simple and clear,” the president continued. “We are systematically dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders.”  

That tension — between “mission accomplished” and “we’re just getting started” — is where a lot of Americans are stuck right now. Because what’s missing........

© The Hill