Ex-Trump pick notes growing skepticism in MAGA ranks — and makes grim midterm prediction

Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett, who served in the State Department during Trump's first term, leveled scathing criticism of the president's Iran war strategy, warning that privately, Trump's base is deeply skeptical despite public support.

"We went from 'America First' to 'America Strikes First' pretty quickly here," Bartlett said, highlighting the stark contradiction between Trump's campaign promises and his military actions.

Bartlett emphasized that while MAGA influencers initially backed the military strikes, skepticism is mounting. "The longer this goes on, the more skepticism," he warned, pointing to fundamental problems heading into midterm elections.

"Everything has changed except for the economy," Bartlett stated bluntly. "We have no ideas, no legislation. No one is feeling good right now."

The strategist also highlighted Trump's casual dismissal of casualties and costs. With the administration reportedly spending $1 billion daily on the conflict, ordinary Americans are preoccupied with their own struggles—gas prices, rent, healthcare, and groceries.

Bartlett further criticized Trump's hypocrisy, noting that during the 2024 campaign, Trump attacked Vice President Kamala Harris as a "war president." Yet Bartlett observed: "Everything that he said that she would do, he ended up doing."

As the Iran conflict enters its second week with "mission creep," Bartlett predicted grim political consequences for Republicans in upcoming midterm elections.