On Monday, conservative social media personality Laura Loomer took to X (formerly Twitter) to challenge her followers to document every right-wing figure criticizing Donald Trump. Loomer expressed her frustration, stating, “Take screenshots of every single right winger who is shit talking Trump right now.” She encouraged her audience to reply with evidence, emphasizing that while she has many examples, she doesn’t want to miss any significant criticisms. Loomer specifically targeted what she referred to as “grifters” for turning against Trump, particularly in the context of military intervention discussions regarding Iran.
Amidst the growing tensions, longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon voiced his concerns about U.S. military involvement in Iran during a Christian Science Monitor event on Wednesday. Bannon cautioned, “We can’t have another Iraq,” indicating a strong reluctance for further military entanglements. He pointed fingers at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing him for expecting U.S. support after Israel recently launched an attack on Iran. Despite this, many of Trump’s supporters have rallied behind his approach, claiming that “President Trump is a President of peace, not of war,” as stated by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) on Tuesday.
The internal party division on foreign policy also prompted Vice President JD Vance, a veteran known for his isolationist stance, to share his perspective. In a detailed 375-word post on X, Vance acknowledged the valid concerns regarding a prolonged conflict but firmly defended Trump’s potential actions against Iran. “Of course, people are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of idiotic foreign policy,” Vance stated, reinforcing his belief that “the president has earned some trust on this issue.”
Trump appears to be navigating the divide within his party carefully. Initially hesitant to openly back Israel’s military campaign against Iran, he has recently indicated that the U.S. might assist with military action, including the potential use of American “bunker buster” bombs aimed at Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility. This military strategy suggests a shift in Trump's stance, as he seeks to maintain support from both hawkish Republicans and isolationists within the party.
Despite the increasing criticism from within his party, the Trump administration has remained steadfast in its position. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated, “President Trump has never wavered in his stance that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon,” emphasizing that Americans trust Trump to prioritize their safety.
One notable conservative figure who has openly criticized Trump is former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Last week, Carlson accused the president of being “complicit in the act of war” following Israel's military actions against Iran. His comments sparked a heated podcast exchange with Sen. Ted Cruz, where Carlson challenged Cruz’s understanding of Iranian complexities. In response to Carlson's harsh critiques, Trump labeled him as “kooky” on his platform, Truth Social.
In a surprising twist, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene showed support for Carlson, suggesting that his views align with what many Americans believe. Greene stated, “Foreign wars/intervention/regime change put America last, kill innocent people, are making us broke, and will ultimately lead to our destruction.” She also condemned what she described as “neocon warmongers” pushing for conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Despite the internal dissent among MAGA supporters, some Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, remain unfazed. Thune acknowledged the diverse views within the party regarding America’s role in global affairs. He affirmed that “the president is well within his authority, understands what’s at stake in ensuring Iran never has a nuclear weapon, and will do everything he can to protect America and American interests.”
