With the apparent collapse of the US talks with Iran, President Donald Trump finds himself in a box with no easy way out. Polls are showing that key elements of his winning electoral coalition are growing weary of the war and frustrated with its domestic consequences. As we approach the midterm elections, Republicans in Congress are also nervous about how voters may react when they go to the polls.

There are several Republican-related groups to consider – each with concerns of their own. The establishment Republican elites wanted one thing from President Trump: smaller government with lower taxes. Because Trump never fit the mould of a true conservative, given his flamboyant and, at times, outrageous behaviour, these more traditional conservatives were initially hesitant to embrace Trump’s candidacy. However, when he reduced regulations on their industries, lowered their taxes, and began to reduce government outlays for social programmes while increasing defence expenditures, they came on board.

The religious conservatives were also initially concerned that Trump’s own personal immoral behaviour and his past positions on a range of “social issues” might not be in sync with their........

© The Nation