Conservative commentator Scott Jennings on Wednesday called on President Trump to issue a formal declaration of victory against Iran, arguing that the administration's military campaign has achieved its objectives even as the conflict enters its seventh month.
Speaking on CNN's "The Arena with Kasie Hunt," Jennings responded to fellow commentator Xochitl Hinojosa's question about Trump's exit strategy. "The exit strategy is happening right now," Jennings said. "It's the commander in chief's job and I'm sure he will do it—to explain to the American people how we have won this war, how we are safer, and how this is going to benefit the world. That is the next phase of this."
Jennings, who has been floated as a potential successor to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, pressed for an "affirmative, formal declaration of victory," adding, "But we're at the point now where Iran is totally scrambled and defeated, and we need to take credit for it, in my opinion."
The commentator defended the administration's decision to strike Iran in February as "righteous" and predicted the military operation would "work out for the safety and security of the American people." Hunt pushed back, noting the conflict's deep unpopularity among voters.
Hinojosa had earlier warned that voters don't believe the war is won and are uncertain how it will end. "If I were a Republican or anybody in a swing district, I would call on the president to come out with a plan to get us out of this war and actually be against the president in terms of claiming victory," she said.
The renewed hostilities began after Trump warned Iran against further strikes on American bases in Persian Gulf nations. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on those bases, reigniting the largest outbreak of fighting after a month-long stalemate. The two sides remain deadlocked over control of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has kept closed to commercial shipping carrying roughly one-fifth of the world's oil.
Trump, who ordered a naval blockade near Iranian ports, has floated naming the waterway after himself, writing on Truth Social that "it would be 'hotter' than ever before!" He has repeatedly predicted a quick end to the conflict, telling reporters on Wednesday he doesn't "think it will be very much longer."
The White House has told Reuters it will avoid escalating military action against Iran until after the midterms, as Trump faces pressure to contain hostilities. His massive campaign war chest could influence how he navigates the political fallout, but critics draw parallels to past escalations that ended badly. Meanwhile, some Republicans are already distancing themselves as poll numbers slide.
