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US President Trump was facing a crisis triggered by the war with Iran—a rare occurrence in which a US pilot was shot down and trapped deep inside Iran.
Then, a daring rescue operation launched over Easter weekend allowed the US president to quickly turn the tide.
On Monday, Trump stood before the cameras, portraying the perilous operation as a divinely ordained military victory. He emphasized the dramatic elements to project a tough stance and demonstrate his control over the five-week-long, yet still unpopular, war among American voters.
"We have incredibly talented people, and when the time comes, we will do whatever it takes to bring them home safely," Trump told reporters at the White House. "God is with us."
This marks the second time in less than a week that Trump has specifically set aside time to directly explain his Iran policy to the public.In his distinctive "Trump style," he played the role of "producer" and "chief spokesperson" during his term.
He has consistently struggled to provide a clear justification for the bombing campaign, as evidenced by his chaotic prime-time speech last week. His profanity-laden and inflammatory remarks on social media last Sunday further crossed the line for presidential rhetoric, prompting journalists to question the 79-year-old president's mental state.
The scene in the James Brady press briefing room on Monday perfectly illustrated Trump's consistent political instincts:Seize the moment of glory, dominate the narrative according to your own voice, and use it as a slogan of unity to win the support of the war-weary American public.
Rescue details dominated the entire press conference
Trump detailed the complex rescue operation and admitted that luck played a part. Trump administration officials, typically reluctant to discuss internal decisions, proactively assisted journalists over the weekend in writing vivid reports on this remarkable operation.
Trump described how the wounded and bleeding officer evaded capture in Iran for two days; the search and rescue team traversed mountains and attempted to pull the plane out of the wet sand, ultimately destroying it to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
“Hundreds of people could die as a result,” Trump told reporters, adding that some military officials had advised him to cancel the operation.
"How many people did you send in total?" Trump asked General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was sitting next to him.
“I wish to keep this a secret,” Kane replied.
"I will keep it a secret, but it is indeed hundreds or thousands of soldiers," Trump said.
Reporters crammed into the crowded press conference room, blocking the aisles and entrances, arguing amongst themselves, all vying for a better position within the sight of the US president.
Despite Trump's fascination with showcasing the military's strength—and earlier Monday at another White House event suggesting the rescue might be made into a movie—butHe also threatened to imprison an unnamed journalist who had first reported the successful rescue of one of the missing pilots before the second missing pilot was found.
Dissatisfaction with allies and the diplomatic process
Trump continued to express his dissatisfaction with the pace of the diplomatic process to end the war, his anger at U.S. allies who were unwilling to lend a hand, and his frustration over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies. He ignored questions about his mental health, stating bluntly, "I don't care about critics."
When asked whether he planned to escalate or end the war, Trump remained ambiguous.
“I can’t tell you,” he said. “I don’t know.”
As the press conference, which lasted for more than an hour, drew to a close, Trump attempted to portray the victory as a foregone conclusion.
“We won, you understand?” he said. “They have been defeated militarily.”
