No Rally-Round-the-Flag Effect': Karl Rove Warns Trump He Must Sell His Gutsy' Iran Operation

"The effort has showcased military and intelligence brilliance and gutsy leadership. It began with the American president and the Israeli prime minister. It has continued with leaders of half a dozen Middle Eastern and eastern Mediterranean countries. Despite all this, the White House must deal with two stark realities: No one knows how this will end, and the war against the mullahs in Tehran isn't popular at home."

"The White House must spend more time explaining its actions in Iran and why they're important to Americans' interests. That could cause some who hold wish-washy opinions to move into the president's corner. This can't be just left to the eight-minute Truth Social video the president posted early Saturday morning or to a few brief calls by him to journalists."

"Congressional Republicans did a credible job of supporting the president's action on the Sunday morning talk shows. But the defense of the administration's actions in Iran needs more comprehensive, persistent, credible explanations of the objectives from the president and his top people. These must be offered in all possible venues and channels if he's to sway public opinion."

Karl Rove praised Trump's military decision against Iran as historic and highlighted tactical successes by American and Israeli forces. However, Rove identified two critical challenges: uncertainty about the operation's outcome and lack of domestic popularity. Polling data shows no rally-around-the-flag effect. Rove advised framing the action around preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development and recommended the White House conduct more extensive public outreach beyond social media and brief journalist calls. Congressional Republicans provided adequate support on Sunday talk shows, but Rove stressed the administration needs persistent, credible explanations across multiple venues and channels to shift public opinion and gain broader support.

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