Donald Trump's political standing is unraveling amid falling poll numbers, corruption accusations from right-wing voices, and controversy over a $1 billion payout to cancel a New York wind farm—while an unpopular war and troop deployments raise questions about wasted money and escalating conflict.

At the same time, Russia is covertly supporting Iran with drone and satellite expertise learned in Ukraine, even as the U.S. turns to Ukrainian specialists to defend bases—raising fears of a wider proxy war and comparisons to "Wag the Dog" distraction tactics.