As President Donald Trump considers striking Iran in support of Israel’s military campaign, a raging civil war within the MAGA movement is brewing. The core of the dispute is Trump’s willingness to use American force against Iran’s nuclear installations, a notion that has alarmed influential people who support the “America First” philosophy. Prominent supporters such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson have denounced this possible change, stating that it goes against Trump’s long-standing pledge to refrain from starting new wars abroad. In a newsletter and on Steve Bannon’s podcast, Carlson specifically accused Trump of being complicit in an act of war.
Trump’s team allegedly started private outreach to defuse tensions within his base in response to the outcry. According to Bannon, the majority of MAGA members will probably support Trump if he decides to proceed, suggesting that the effort is having an impact. Trump himself disclosed that Carlson apologized to him in private for what he said was excessively critical remarks. Carlson had previously contributed significantly to Trump’s 2024 campaign, endorsing his anti-interventionist stance, but he is currently at odds with conservative hawks like Senator Ted Cruz and Mark Levin of Fox News.
Trump’s administration has been affected by this internal division. Known for her opposition to war, Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, was publicly marginalized after releasing a video alerting the public to the nuclear threats associated with rising tensions with Iran. In a social media post, Vice President J.D. Vance, however, defended Gabbard, highlighting her loyalty and crucial role in national security. Nevertheless, Vance criticized Iran, saying the nation had plenty of time to engage in negotiations and that its delay was a “mistake.”
Israel, which has asked for American help to attack Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Center and has continued to target Iranian military and nuclear facilities, is putting pressure on the United States. Buried deep within a mountain, this facility needs bunker-buster bombs, which Israel does not have. The request has not yet received Trump’s approval. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump will wait about two weeks to allow for diplomatic engagement and that no final decision has been made.
Leavitt shared a Trump message during a press briefing, saying Iran has asked for direct talks and could send a delegation to the White House. Tensions are rising both overseas and within Trump’s own political party, and the situation is still unstable. The president must walk a tightrope between upholding the anti-war rhetoric of his campaign and reacting to geopolitical realities that necessitate a firm stand. The next two weeks will be crucial as his base and allies abroad await a decision.
