Trump Is Caught in the Trap He Set
This article discusses the political career of Donald Trump, framing his history of scandals and legal challenges as a series of events he has consistently managed to navigate. It suggests that current geopolitical tensions, such as the situation in Iran, may present a new type of challenge to his political resilience.
Why it matters
The piece analyzes the durability of Trump's political brand in the face of persistent controversy and shifting global political landscapes.
The war in Iran has dealt a serious blow to the idea that the president can slip out of any bind easily.
Andrew Harnik / Getty July 20, 2026, 6:39 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
You could, if you were so inclined, tell a story of the Donald Trump era via memes. Pepe the Frog , “This Is Fine” Dog , “ Covfefe ,” Leopards Eating People’s Faces —things of that nature. One of the essential examples would be an October 2016 Twitter post by Jesse Farrar , parodying the enduring belief that the walls were closing in on Trump:
Well, I’d like to see ol Donny Trump wriggle his way out of THIS jam!
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