US mood divided as Iran war seen as failure for America

As the US prepares to mark its 250th Independence Day, Washington is deeply divided, with public trust in institutions waning and negotiations with Iran widely viewed as a failure, according to Augustinas Šemelis, a Lithuanian journalist working in the US.

Speaking on LRT Radio’s programme “Svarbus pokalbis”, Šemelis noted that while the US is celebrating with large fairs, flyovers by fighter jets and B2 bombers, and National Guard patrols, the country’s political unity is fraying. He highlighted the unusual sight of giant portraits of former President Donald Trump displayed on government buildings, describing it as a sign of deep polarisation.

Šemelis acknowledged the significance of the 250-year milestone, comparing it to Lithuania’s 800-year commemoration of King Mindaugas’ coronation. He noted that the US has maintained remarkable continuity and stability, with the same constitution and institutions enduring for centuries. However, he observed that the country’s ability to unite around shared principles is diminishing.

Trump’s current unpopularity, with approval ratings hovering around 35-36%, reflects this division. Despite his low ratings, Šemelis noted that Trump remains a unique figure in US politics, having shifted the country’s direction and pursued policies not initially outlined in his campaign, such as threats over Greenland and the war with Iran. These actions have contributed to his declining support.

Regarding the war with Iran, Šemelis reported that both in Israel and the US, the conflict is widely perceived as a failure. He cited a conversation with an Israeli journalist in the White House, who described the recent memorandum as a defeat for both Israel and America. Even Trump’s strongest supporters are struggling to reconcile his current actions with his earlier rhetoric, which had called for regime change in Iran, an end to its nuclear programme, and a halt to its support for regional militant groups.

Šemelis also noted that the political divide in the US is already evident, with figures like JD Vance gaining influence. He described an ongoing “beauty contest” between Vance and Marco Rubio, highlighting Trump’s close attention to their public appearances.