President Donald Trump stated that he believes the American public supports his military actions against Iran while traveling to receive the remains of U.S. service members who died in the Middle East. Trump made these comments to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before flying to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. He claimed, "Americans aren’t against the war. A poll just came out," but did not specify which poll he was referencing. He added that while Americans are concerned about high gasoline prices, they do not oppose the war.
Recent polling indicates a decline in support for the Iran war among self-identified MAGA respondents, with a Politico poll showing only one-third in favor, a drop of 13 percentage points since May. Trump reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and mentioned an upcoming release of investigation results regarding an Iranian strike that killed three U.S. service members at the Jordanian air base.
The service members have been identified as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii; Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas; and Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of New York. Trump remarked on the dignity of the transfer process, stating, "We’re going to honor them," and expressed the emotional weight of attending such events as president. He concluded by emphasizing the love for the families of the fallen service members. Following the dignified transfers, Trump is scheduled to campaign in Atlanta ahead of the November midterm elections.