Trump is betting on himself, and his cell phone, to control the Epic Fury narrative

Published: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10:00 am

Trump Leverages Phone Interviews to Shape Narrative on Iran War

President Trump is employing a new strategy to manage the public narrative surrounding the ongoing military operations in Iran, dubbed "Epic Fury." Instead of relying on traditional public events, the President has shifted to conducting numerous brief phone interviews with reporters across various media outlets. These conversations, typically lasting between five and ten minutes, are seen by some as a way to directly influence news coverage, public opinion, and market reactions.

According to sources, this approach allows Trump to control the flow of information and tailor his message to a broad audience, including those who may not regularly follow White House briefings or consume specific media. A former White House official noted the effectiveness of Trump's relatable language in explaining the complex situation in Iran to the general public.

The impact of Trump's words extends beyond public perception. Financial markets have also reacted to his statements. Following the initial strikes, oil prices surged, with crude futures reaching over $120 per barrel. However, a subsequent phone interview with CBS, where Trump suggested a swift end to the war, led to a significant drop in oil prices and a rally in U.S. stocks.

White House officials have declined to comment on the specific strategy behind these phone interviews, particularly concerning their effect on market fluctuations. They emphasized that any official policy announcements will come directly from the President and that the administration is working to stabilize energy markets.

However, some experts are skeptical of the long-term effectiveness of this approach. Peter Loge, a professor at George Washington University, suggests that Trump's strategy may have diminishing returns, particularly given the high stakes of a military conflict. He compared the situation to a high-stakes deal, where the consequences of failure are far more significant than in a business venture.

BNN's Perspective:

While President Trump's direct communication strategy may be effective in the short term for shaping public opinion and influencing market behavior, it also raises concerns about transparency and accountability. The lack of detailed information and the potential for conflicting messages from different sources could create confusion. A balanced approach that combines direct communication with traditional press briefings and expert analysis is crucial for ensuring informed public discourse during a time of international conflict.

Keywords: Trump, Iran, Epic Fury, phone interviews, media, narrative, public opinion, oil prices, stocks, markets, war, strategy, communication, White House.

Full Story