As winter turns to spring in 2026, American politics is experiencing a bit of economic-messaging déjà vu from the Trump administration.

Much like last year at this time, the president has leapt headlong into a major new undertaking that threatens to rock an already-wobbly economy. And much like last year, the administration is asking Americans to accept some “short-term pain” for promised long-term gain.

In 2025, it was tariffs. In 2026, it’s the war with Iran.