U.S. is succumbing to mission creep in the Iran war. This is the expansion of a mission beyond its original purpose. Now President Trump mulls protecting Strait of Hormuz and escalating attacks on Iran’s Kharg oil facilities. Over-reach? Where will it end?

The Iran war keeps expanding. This is common in military conflicts when the combatants misjudge each other and escalate to gain an advantage, triggering escalation on the other side. Can be an endless, deadly cycle, out of control.

President Trump is talking about taking over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil that has become entangled in the war with Iran. This would be a huge burden for the US, and would contradict Trump’s campaign pledge to avoid foreign entanglements and prolonged wars.

Trump wages war differently than other presidents. A big problem is he hasn’t clarified his objectives. Is his goal regime change? Destroying Iran’s military? Ending Iranian nuclear threat? Stopping Iran-sponsored terrorism? All the above? Many ask, what are we fighting for?

The U.S. and Israel now at war with Iran— after Trump pledged to avoid “forever wars” and massive interventions abroad. Will the country rally around him? Doubtful. Polarized, distrustful Americans don’t rally around their president during times of crisis as they used to.

Only 28 percent of Americans say they are getting ahead financially; 53 percent are making just enough to maintain their standard of living; 17 percent say they are “falling behind“ financially, according to new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. Inflation still big concern.

Trump’s State of the Union address showed again that he is an excellent showman able to capture a moment, dominate the headlines. But the speech was filled with resentment and anger, and mostly aimed at rallying his ferocious base, while millions seek a path to common ground.

President Trump has a big hill to climb in his State of the Union address. His approval ratings are awful. Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll finds only 39 percent of Americans rate his job performance as positive. CNN poll finds only 32 percent say he has the right priorities.

Air Force One saga: President Trump changing exterior colors of presidential jets to red, white and dark blue instead of white and light blue designed by the Kennedy administration. Trump needs to leave his mark on as much as possible, it appears. Will the next president agree?

Mixed results on the economy in new reports. Inflation slows nationally but still rising in key sectors. Job growth uneven. Many say their financial situations worse than a year ago. Trump job approval sinks. Republicans worry about losing GOP control of Congress in November.

Attorney General testimony on Capitol Hill was a case study in toxic politics. Disrespect and hostility were overflowing on all sides. AG Bondi eager to demean and insult, as were some of her critics. Unhealthy for the country. Polarization worsens. Where are the better angels?

Signs of instability: Iran, Russia vs. Ukraine, Israel vs. Hamas, tension between U.S. and allies, divided Congress, violence from ICE, angry protesters over immigration, Trump job approval weak among independents and terrible among Democrats. Can Trump offer path to stability?

What troubles and angers Americans during a crisis is when it spirals out of control. Americans expect leaders to restore law and order, peace and justice. Incumbents get blamed for chaos. This is happening now in Minnesota. Big challenge, but those in power should beware.

Government's ability to help people in an emergency will be tested as a fierce snowstorm intensifies. FEMA, the federal emergency management agency, will be under special scrutiny. Will Trump-imposed cuts at FEMA hamper its storm response? Millions of people will be affected.

Trump over-reaches, a common malady in presidents that afflicted LBJ, Nixon, George W. Bush, others. Often allies and supporters rebel. Flash points include sending ICE into Maine, trying to take over parts of Greenland, issuing executive orders alienating many in Congress.

President Trump emboldened, grabs more power. Threatens Greenland takeover. Deposes ruler of Venezuela, declares US now runs that country. Wages trade wars. Intervenes in Democrat-led cities. Attacks cultural and political institutions. No end in sight.

Americans have strong opinions about President Trump and haven’t altered their views much despite all his activity on multiple fronts. Only four of 10 adults approve of Trump’s job performance, virtually unchanged from March, according to AP-NORC poll. Overall, bad news for him.

President Trump likes to rattle the saber and use the military to get his way. He deposed the ruler of Venezuela and says the U.S. will now run that nation. Trump threatens Iran, Greenland, others. Yet he promised as a candidate to avoid foreign entanglements. Credibility gap.

ICE killing brings back memories of Kent State protest 1970. "Ohio," sung by Crosby Stills Nash & Young, captured the moment for many: “Tin soldiers and Nixon comin’/We’re finally on our own/This summer I hear the drummin’/ Four dead in Ohio.“ USA tearing apart. History repeats?

President Trump suggests he might target regimes including those in Colombia, Iran and Greenland after deposing the leader of Venezuela. Are these attempts at intimidation? Just loose talk? Serious proposals? Can't be sure. But it's classic Trump, throwing everyone off balance.