The Political Scene | The New Yorker How Bad Is It?: Trump Strikes Iran and His Base Hits Back
Jun 26, 2025
Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker focusing on media, technology, and politics, delves into the serious implications of Trump's military actions in Iran. He discusses whether these strikes jeopardize his support from the 'America First' coalition, portraying a shift towards authoritarianism. The conversation also questions the legitimacy of using the National Guard during protests, highlighting tensions between democracy and authority. Marantz emphasizes the importance of independent judgment in evaluating the balance of power amid rising partisanship.
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Trump's Iran Strikes Shake Coalition
- Trump's strikes on Iran reveal tensions within his "America first" coalition, especially among anti-war supporters.
- His approach blurs traditional distinctions between strongman authoritarian tactics and erratic leadership style.
Coalition's Shift Toward Isolationism
- Trump's coalition shifted from neoconservative to a diverse base with strong isolationist and anti-forever war sentiments.
- Key figures like Tucker Carlson exemplify this transformation and now oppose the Iran strikes as betraying party principles.
Isolationism Mixes Motives
- Republican isolationism blends genuine anti-war motives with a selfish national focus on domestic problems.
- The idea of "America First" historically intertwines avoiding foreign wars with addressing internal issues.