TACO abroad, boss at home: Trump may be losing against China or Iran, but still controls MAGA

Key points

• Eric Trump, President Donald Trump and Larry Glick watch the Maaden LIV Golf tournament at Trump Golf Club, in Sterling, Va.
• AP/PTI(AP05_10_2026_000001A) The Massie warning Rep.
• Thomas Massie, R-Ky., reacts as he speaks during an election night watch party after losing the Republican party's nomination at the Marriott Cincinnati Airport, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Hebron, Ky.
• (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) The war that voters don’t understand President Donald Trump with first lady Melania Trump as they give remarks to guests on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington for the Congressional Picnic, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) The TACO doctrine Weak president, terrifying party boss The obedience machine There’s a line to describe Trump’s foreign policy jaunts that’s particularly popular on social media: TACO which stands for Trump Always Chickens Out.
• And that might be true abroad whether it’s against Iran or China but back...