Trump turns 80: Is his power waning amid foreign policy turmoil?

As U.S. President Donald Trump approaches his 80th birthday, a noticeable shift in his public demeanor has emerged. In the weeks leading up to the milestone, Trump has been uncharacteristically quiet, a stark contrast to his usual schedule filled with lengthy public addresses and monologues. This period of relative calm behind the scenes at the White House coincides with a growing mountain of challenges for the president.

Trump's administration has been characterized by a desire to be remembered as a "peace president," with a campaign slogan of "no new wars" in 2024. However, his approach to foreign policy has appeared increasingly erratic. He recently backtracked on promises to avoid new conflicts outside the U.S., adopting a "peace through strength" motto for the Pentagon, which he renamed the "War Department." His administration's role as a mediator in the Ukraine war seems to have stalled, despite his earlier claims of being able to end the conflict within a day.

The president is also deeply embroiled in the complex situation with Iran. Despite emphasizing military successes, Iran's strategic blockade of ships in the Strait of Hormuz has created significant difficulties. Trump sought assistance from NATO allies to secure the vital waterway, but his efforts have not yielded the desired results. Furthermore, the U.S. government's shifting explanations of the war's objectives have led to public confusion and strained the alliance with Israel, with reports of discord between the two nations. Israel's continued attacks, particularly in Lebanon, have persisted despite Trump's calls for restraint, signaling a potential fracture in their long-standing alliance.

What was initially projected by the U.S. government to be a four-to-six-week operation has now stretched to nearly four months. Trump has repeatedly fueled hopes for a swift agreement with Iran, but the situation remains unresolved, leaving his administration navigating a thorny path.