Political Tribune

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The Economist Drops Blistering New Cover On Trump’s War— And It’s Turning Heads

A crisis taking shape

578
578 points

The Economist does not do sensationalism. Its covers are deliberate and measured.

This week’s shows Donald Trump in a military helmet worn backwards, covering his eyes. The headline reads: “War in Iran is making Donald Trump weaker — and angrier.” The image alone says everything.

The magazine’s argument is straightforward. The Iran war, it says, is stripping Trump of the three political superpowers that made him untouchable: his ability to shape reality, his mastery of leverage, and his grip on the Republican Party. Those strengths would have faded eventually. War is burning through them faster.

The numbers back that up.

Few Americans support the military action against Iran, and a majority believe the war will drag on for months or more.  Trump went in already carrying historically low approval ratings.

History offers no comfort either. Past presidents who started wars without clear endpoints watched their approval ratings deteriorate the longer the conflict ran.

The economic picture is equally grim. Oil is above $100 a barrel. Inflation is climbing, hiring has stalled, wage growth is collapsing, and mortgage rates are rising.  Goldman Sachs has warned inflation could snap back to 3% this year if the war drags on. Higher jet fuel prices push airline tickets up. Rising transport costs do the same for groceries.

The longer it runs, the worse those projections get. If the conflict extends three to six months with significant damage to regional oil production, economists predict prices could climb past $130 a barrel, with core inflation potentially hitting 4.1% by year end.

The Economist’s cover hit Thursday morning and the internet did not wait long to weigh in.


Iran is not signaling it plans to wrap up anytime soon. Policy expert Karim Sadjadpour told NPR the war has “morphed from a war of choice into a war of necessity,” adding bluntly: “I don’t think President Trump understood what he was getting into.”

Featured image via X screengrab 

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Terry Lawson

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Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/TerryNotTrump.

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