A prominent economist is making a striking prediction about President Donald Trump’s political future—arguing that recent global events have triggered a major shift that could dramatically reduce the president’s influence sooner than many expect.

According to Richard Wolff, the political landscape is already beginning to change.

And he believes that change could accelerate after the 2026 midterm elections.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the Dialogue Works podcast, the University of Massachusetts Amherst professor argued that the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran has contributed to a broader political realignment, both inside the United States and internationally.

“We’re beginning to see a significant self-defined socialist presence in our political life,” Wolff said.

He connected that development to growing public debate over the war with Iran and the continuing focus on Israel and Palestine.

According to Wolff, those issues are reshaping political attitudes in ways that extend beyond U.S. borders.

“It’s very important to understand that there’s a shift going on,” he said.

“And that shift extends into international affairs.”

Wolff pointed to recent progressive election victories in New York as one example of what he sees as changing political momentum.

He compared today’s political climate to the period surrounding the Vietnam War, when widespread public opposition to military involvement eventually became a major force in American politics.

In his view, recent elections suggest that some voters are increasingly supporting candidates critical of Trump’s foreign policy.

“Not everywhere in the same way,” Wolff acknowledged.

“But in a number of districts where that was the issue, the vote of the people has clearly been in the direction of criticism of Trump, the war in Iran, and Israel.”

The longtime economist has frequently criticized the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding the Middle East.

During the interview, he argued that recent events have given those criticisms greater political traction.

But it was Wolff’s prediction about Trump’s future that drew the most attention.

“People should also be aware that there’s really only a few months left for Mr. Trump,” he said.

His reasoning centered on the approaching midterm elections.

Under the U.S. Constitution, presidents serving second terms cannot seek re-election, meaning that following the midterms they typically enter what is commonly known as the “lame-duck” phase of a presidency.

Wolff argued that this reality, combined with what he described as growing political challenges, will steadily reduce Trump’s influence.

“Once those elections happen in November—if, indeed they happen—he will then be a lame-duck president,” Wolff said.

He went on to argue that the administration’s first months of the year have left Trump facing increasing political pressure.

According to Wolff, that includes declining public support and a gradual erosion of political leverage.

“We are looking at a man who is facing political pressures that include losing support,” he said.

“And moving ever closer to a day after which his relevance will be sharply reduced.”

Supporters of President Trump strongly reject that assessment, arguing that he continues to wield enormous influence within the Republican Party and remains one of the most dominant figures in American politics.

The White House has consistently defended the administration’s foreign policy decisions and has portrayed its actions abroad as advancing American national security interests.

Whether Wolff’s prediction ultimately proves accurate will depend on political developments over the coming months, including the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections and the broader national response to the administration’s agenda.

For now, however, his comments have added another voice to the growing debate over what Trump’s political future may look like once voters return to the polls.

As Washington prepares for another pivotal election season, that question is likely to remain at the center of America’s political conversation.