Trump Iran War and U.S. Foreign Policy

Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, both viewed as possible 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, used early‑March appearances in New Hampshire to sharply question President Trump’s handling of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran and his use of war powers. Speaking at a Democratic fundraiser in Keene, Beshear said Trump has failed to offer a consistent justification for the war, accused him of using force before diplomacy, and argued Congress should have reined in his authority after he launched strikes days after the State of the Union without fully informing the public. On a Portsmouth book‑tour stop, Newsom said he is “very angry” about the war and faulted Trump for being “inarticulate and incapable” of explaining why the campaign started, why now, and what the endgame is, even while clarifying that his recent reference to Israel as an “apartheid state” was meant to echo columnist Thomas Friedman’s critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation and judicial moves. Their comments reflect how the Iran war is already becoming a litmus test inside the Democratic Party on executive war powers, Israel policy and Middle East strategy, with politically engaged New Hampshire voters telling CBS they are “horrified” by events in Iran and closely weighing 2028 hopefuls’ stances.