Analysis: How the Middle East is challenging Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ policy

Khalid Al-Jabri, executive director of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs in Doha, writes in an analysis for Al Jazeera that the Donald Trump administration is facing mounting pressure from Middle East crises ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. He argues that the 'America First' slogan is now clashing with complex regional realities.

The analyst notes that conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine have turned the Middle East into a network of interconnected crises. This situation has had a direct impact not only on Washington's foreign policy but also on the US domestic economy, including fuel prices, inflation, and interest rates.

Citing media reports, including Axios, Al-Jabri claims that decision-making in the White House has become increasingly centered around Donald Trump himself. He adds that differing views among senior advisors, such as Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, regarding how to handle Iran and Israel, have further complicated these policies.

The analysis further suggests that the upcoming midterm elections could shift the balance of power in Washington. If the opposition party gains control of Congress, the administration's ability to advance its agenda could be limited, potentially leading to increased investigations and legal challenges that would effectively diminish the president's executive power in the final two years of his term.

In conclusion, the author emphasizes that despite its military and economic power, the United States faces difficulties in controlling the outcomes of its interventions in the Middle East. The central question remains whether Donald Trump can reshape the Middle East without the region reshaping his presidency in Washington.