What Donald Duck Can Teach Trump About Going to War
President Franklin Roosevelt enlisted entertainers to make the case for fighting Germany and Japan.
President Donald Trump's administration has not prioritized building public support for the war in Iran, despite the conflict costing at least $35 billion and showing no signs of ending. Historically, most presidents have recognized the importance of garnering public backing for military actions. While wars can be controversial or justified by false information, presidents have typically articulated a clear rationale for why U.S. resources are being deployed.
When this crucial step is neglected, as is the case with Trump, deteriorating conditions on the ground—such as those in Iran—can lead to political challenges. Public support is vital, as wars are expensive and resource-intensive, potentially diverting attention from other critical issues. President Franklin Roosevelt, who led the U.S. through World War II from 1933 to 1945, understood the significance of public opinion in successful warfare.
Even in a morally justified conflict like defeating fascism, Roosevelt's administration worked diligently to explain the necessity of sacrifice and continuously made the case for the war effort. To achieve this, they enlisted Donald Duck, highlighting the pivotal role of engaging the public in wartime efforts.
Written by urgent.news from Foreign Policy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
