The War Trump Doesn't Want to Talk About

"In Donald Trump's first term, he might have live-tweeted the war in Iran. These days, his presence on Truth Social, the social-media platform that he owns, is more targeted at Trump superfans, many of whom are not entirely enthusiastic about their MAGA leader's decision to launch a new war of choice in the Middle East."

"Despite the conflict, Trump has kept up a prolific pace of posting in recent days, but the message to his followers has strongly suggested that he is anything but consumed by the burden of commanding a conflict that has, in not even two weeks, killed Iran's Supreme Leader, unleashed the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, spread to at least ten additional countries across the region, and cost American taxpayers more than eleven billion dollars and counting."

"Instead, he's relayed his observations about recent 'politically suicidal' comments by Gavin 'Newscum,' in what was maybe 'the most self-destructive interview I've ever seen'; bragged about plans to save the Great Lakes from a plague of 'rather violent and destructive Asian Carp'; endorsed various Republican congressional candidates, including a challenger to one of Trump's only remaining public critics inside the G.O.P."

President Trump maintains an active presence on Truth Social despite commanding a Middle East conflict that has escalated significantly in two weeks. The war has resulted in Iran's Supreme Leader's death, caused the largest global oil supply disruption on record, spread to ten additional countries, and cost American taxpayers over eleven billion dollars. However, Trump's social media posts focus primarily on criticizing political opponents like Gavin Newsom, endorsing Republican candidates, discussing environmental issues like Asian Carp, and rehashing election grievances. His limited Iran-related posts include polling data, military accomplishments, and demands directed at Iran, suggesting he treats the conflict with minimal apparent concern or engagement.

Read at The New Yorker