I don't believe that he ever intended that there would be a strike. The consequences such as higher oil prices, and a rising death toll meant that it was a bad political play. I think he understood this from the beginning, and he used it to test his so-called advisers and aids, and to help discover who was leaking information. He has also used it to help maintain his image as a kind and compassionate man.
Well Jet Cash we have found one thing that we agree on.
I know the official reason from the WH was that Trump had looked at the death toll and said it would be too many for one unmanned drone, which I could see some truth for.
Though I do really do think that this was done as a political play as Trump said he wouldn't get involved in more foreign wars and WOULD pull us out of nations. We'll see I guess.