The White House faced a firestorm of criticism this weekend after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited highly selective polling to claim “overwhelming” public support for Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran.
The controversy ignited Friday when Leavitt shared a press release asserting that “Americans agree” the three-week-old war is a success. However, independent analysts and investigative journalists quickly noted that the data relied almost exclusively on “MAGA Republicans”—a demographic representing less than 20% of the U.S. population.
During a Thursday briefing, Leavitt touted figures showing high favorability for the strikes. “Americans stand firmly behind our warriors and their Commander-in-Chief,” the White House statement read.
A closer inspection of the cited data reveals a different story. The polls—from sources including J.L. Partners and Rasmussen—showed support as high as 88% among “MAGA Republicans,” but omitted broader national sentiment. In contrast, a Washington Post/SSRS poll conducted March 6-9 found that a plurality of Americans actually want the strikes to stop. Similarly, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Friday confirmed that 59% of Americans disapprove of the military action.
The administration’s messaging drew a blistering response from Zeteo founder and former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, who labeled Leavitt a “proud and open liar.” Hasan argued the administration is manufacturing consent for a conflict that lacks a clear exit strategy.
Trump’s political communications arm, Rapid Response 47, retaliated on Friday, calling Hasan a “moron” who was “trembling” at the prospect of American military success. Hasan doubled down in a scathing Sunday rebuttal, describing the war—launched by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—as an “unmitigated disaster” that is “strangling the global economy.”
The polling dispute comes as the Pentagon prepares for a potential escalation. Despite President Trump’s recent Oval Office assertion that he is “not putting troops anywhere,” reports indicate that 2,500 Marines are currently deploying to the region.
Hasan’s report in Zeteo suggests the administration is privately preparing to deploy U.S. ground forces for a mission he described as “sheer suicide.” Pentagon officials confirmed they have drafted “optionality” plans for ground maneuvers, though no final authorization has been given.
As Operation Epic Fury enters its fourth week, the divide between White House rhetoric and national polling suggests a deepening political crisis. While the administration maintains the campaign has “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear and naval capabilities, the lack of broad-based domestic support and the threat of a prolonged ground war pose significant risks to the Trump presidency.
