A new CNN poll reveals President Trump's surprise military strike against Iran has eroded public trust, with 56 percent of Americans believing long-term conflict between the U.S. and Iran is at least somewhat likely. This stark finding comes despite Trump's insistence to CNN that the war would conclude within weeks, stating he expected it to end 'four weeks' ahead of schedule. The poll underscores a significant disconnect between the president's assertions and public perception, particularly regarding the war's duration and strategy. 62 percent of respondents also believe Trump should seek congressional approval for any further military action, and 60 percent say he lacks a clear strategy for the conflict.

The survey, conducted Saturday and Sunday following initial strikes but before reports of U.S. casualties emerged, highlights a major political challenge for the administration as it navigates the aftermath of the attacks. Congressmen Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are planning a vote next week aimed at curbing Trump's military action without congressional approval, a move that did not deter the president's major attack on Saturday, which reportedly killed at least 43 students at a girls' school in Iran. Trump himself acknowledged the uncertainty, musing to Axios that he could extend the war 'to take over the whole thing' or end it in days, telling Iranians 'See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs].' The poll also shows even Trump's base is unenthusiastic, with a January Politico poll indicating only half of 2024 Trump voters supported military action in Iran.

Meanwhile, the president has been lavishing praise on his own actions, telling ABC's Jonathan Karl he 'nobody could have done this but me.'