As the conflict with Iran grows longer, costlier, and more uncertain, Trump confronts a paradox familiar to many wartime leaders: the very instincts that brought him to power may now stand in the way of securing a lasting peace

Donald Trump has built his political identity around a simple and powerful message, i.e., he is the leader who gets things done. He has often spoken in a triumphant, even imperious, tone about his own abilities and about his promise to ‘Make America Great Again.’ Whatever one’s political views, his political comeback represented a remarkable defiance of conventional expectations. Many scholars, commentators, public officials, and voices from across the ideological spectrum had warned that his return to power would face enormous obstacles. Yet Trump demonstrated an extraordinary ability to connect with millions of voters and overturn predictions that had underestimated his appeal.

His supporters did not merely vote for his policies; many were drawn to his persona. They embraced his confidence, his defiance, and his willingness to break political conventions. For many, his refusal to conform to traditional presidential behavior was not a weakness but the very reason he appeared authentic. Actions and rhetoric that critics described as divisive, including his conduct surrounding 6th January and his repeated attacks on political opponents, were often dismissed by loyal supporters as the necessary disruption of a system they believed had failed them.

That combative style extended beyond........

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