Trump in the polls: the domestic impact of US foreign policy

This episode of The Briefing examines the domestic political fallout in the United States following President Donald Trump's escalation of the war with Iran, which has severely damaged his approval ratings and triggered a wave of cabinet resignations. James DeBoys, a senior research fellow at UCL’s Center on U.S. Politics, explains that despite historically low polling numbers—typically in the mid-30s—Trump has consistently won elections, suggesting a disconnect between public opinion and electoral outcomes. He attributes this to the 'shy voter' phenomenon and the MAGA base's loyalty, even as economic dissatisfaction grows, particularly over rising gas prices and stagnant wages. The war’s short-term economic toll, combined with poor staffing in key government roles due to the exclusion of experienced 'never Trump' Republicans, has weakened the administration’s credibility. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party faces its own challenges, with little realistic path to removing Trump through impeachment and a risk of further political gridlock in the upcoming midterms. The episode then shifts to global perspectives: Anita Riota reports from the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece, where European leaders express a 'not our war' sentiment toward the Iran conflict, yet find unity in opposing Trump’s foreign policy. In Oslo, Georgina Godwin highlights Norway’s deep cultural investment in literature and translation, emphasizing how works like those of Jan Fosse and Marilynne Robinson foster cross-cultural dialogue. Finally, Fernando Augusto Pacheco presents Hungary’s music charts, revealing a blend of political expression and cultural resilience, with songs by artists like Beton Hoffi and Azaria reflecting national tensions and a desire for levity amid political upheaval.