President Donald Trump's second term began at a breakneck pace, with a wave of executive orders imposing tariffs, targeting law firms and universities, and reshaping the US immigration system. However, nearly a year and a half later, the White House appears to be losing momentum. Much of Trump's legislative agenda has stalled in Congress, the war with Iran has dragged on longer than expected, and his proposed 'anti-weaponization' fund failed after pushback from Republican lawmakers.
The Funk Within the White House
To understand the current state of the Trump White House, Today, Explained co-host Sean Rameswaram spoke with Megan Messerly, a White House reporter at Politico, who recently wrote about the 'funk' Trump and his staff are in. According to Messerly, the administration is struggling with the prolonged Iran war, now over three months old. Trump has claimed he is close to a ceasefire deal with Iran, but no agreement has materialized. A two-hour Situation Room meeting yielded no results. Staff inside the White House describe being 'stuck in quicksand of Iran,' with everyone feeling over it.
Legislative Agenda in Limbo
The Iran war has distracted from Trump's legislative priorities. Allies blame Senate Majority Leader John Thune for protecting the filibuster, while Trump has called for firing the Senate parliamentarian. Key bills like the Save America Act (focused on elections) and a housing bill with an institutional investor ban remain stalled. Even security funding for Trump's ballroom/bunker is pending.
Midterms and Mixed Messages
Trump's rhetoric on Iran—claiming he doesn't care about high gas prices or the midterms—conflicts with his push for gerrymandering and candidate endorsements. Allies view this as a negotiating tactic, but it hurts Republicans in key midterm races. Even easy wins, like a sesquicentennial concert on the National Mall, have become politicized, with performers pulling out over concerns the event is too political.
Lost Momentum and Cultural Wins
Earlier in his term, Trump steamrolled law firms and Ivy League institutions, winning over pop culture figures like Nick Minaj. Now, he is stuck in the Iran quagmire. Even his fight to rename the Kennedy Center after himself was put on hold by a federal court, prompting Trump to express displeasure on Truth Social.
Attempted Wins Overshadowed
The White House points to efforts like TrumpRx to reduce prescription drug costs and 'Trump accounts' for children to build generational wealth. However, voters are more concerned with rising gas and grocery prices, making these wins cold comfort. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been touting these accounts, but the Iran war overshadows them.
A UFC Fight to Lift Spirits
Trump, a longtime UFC fan, is celebrating his 80th birthday with a UFC fight on the South Lawn. Allies hope this could raise his mood and lead to a policy breakthrough, as he has been stuck for so long. A win—whether policy or a triumphant UFC fight—could put the administration back on track.
