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politics

Trump posts videos of Iran strikes as U.S. military operations continue

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 11 sources

President Trump shared videos of explosions in Iran on his Truth Social account as U.S. strikes continued in the region. The White House defended the posts while experts questioned their impact on public perception of the war.

President Trump posted several videos of explosions across Iran on Wednesday as fresh U.S. military strikes hit the country. The videos, shared on his Truth Social account, showed scenes and sounds of distant violence amid ongoing operations in the region.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the posts in a statement. "The President has been clear that he will do what is necessary to protect our homeland and troops abroad," Kelly said.

Trump recently declared a temporary ceasefire "over" after Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This marked the latest in a series of failed attempts to reach a deal with Iran. Trump has repeatedly claimed an agreement was close, only for negotiations to collapse.

The administration has released its own videos featuring explosions set to video game music, Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks, and sports clips. These productions have appeared on official White House social media channels alongside Trump's personal posts.

Public opinion polls show Americans don't support the war. Despite this, Trump continues to share content highlighting American military strength.

Roger Stahl, a University of Georgia professor who studies war presentation, said Trump's approach differs from traditional public relations strategies. "It's the only hand that he has to play at this point," Stahl said.

Samuel Woolley, a disinformation studies professor at the University of Pittsburgh, said such posts could desensitize viewers to the human cost of war. "The posting of this kind of content seems not only ill-advised for national security reasons, but also for political and electoral reasons," Woolley said.

The conflict has evolved from what Trump promised would be a quick war into an extended battle over a critical trade route.

Go Deeper

Why is Trump sharing these videos?

Trump shares the videos to showcase American military strength, according to experts. The posts highlight the power of U.S. forces while the president also seeks an end to hostilities.

How long has the conflict with Iran been going on?

The conflict has been ongoing for several months, with Trump promising a quick resolution. Multiple attempts at a ceasefire or deal have fallen through.

What do polls show about American support for the war?

Recent polls indicate Americans don't support the war. Despite this, Trump continues to emphasize military might in his communications.

How does Trump's social media approach differ from previous presidents?

Previous presidents typically followed more formal communication strategies during military operations. Trump uses social media to share dramatic content directly with the public.

What is the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Control of this route is strategically important for both the U.S. and Iran.