Staff ReportsTucker Carlson, a longtime supporter of President Trump and a leading voice in the populist movement, has thrown a wrench into the MAGA machine by openly criticizing Trump’s approach to the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran. Appearing on Steve Bannon’s War Room, Carlson warned that the United States risks repeating the mistakes of the past by getting entangled in another Middle Eastern conflict. He cautioned that Trump’s legacy—and America’s future—could be jeopardized if the administration bows to pressure from “warmongers” eager for U.S. military involvement.
Carlson’s stance is not without precedent. He has consistently advocated for an America First foreign policy, urging Washington to focus on domestic issues like border security and the fentanyl crisis rather than policing the world. His opposition to intervention in Iran puts him at odds with establishment voices, including Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, who have cheered Israel’s aggressive military response. This split exposes a growing rift within the conservative movement, as many grassroots supporters are wary of endless wars that drain American resources and distract from urgent problems at home.
President Trump, never one to shy away from confrontation, fired back at Carlson, suggesting he should “start his television network” if he wants to be heard. Trump has remained evasive about the prospect of U.S. military action, maintaining that current operations are defensive and aimed at supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. However, with American bombers and warships now deployed to the region and the Pentagon preparing for all contingencies, the risk of escalation is real. Trump’s critics on the right argue that any move toward direct conflict with Iran would betray the America First principles that fueled his rise.
The situation on the ground in Iran is dire. Israeli airstrikes have devastated key military and nuclear sites, and the Iranian regime is scrambling to maintain control amid widespread unrest and economic turmoil. Tehran’s leaders have threatened to retaliate against U.S. forces if America joins the fight, raising the stakes for everyone involved. Meanwhile, the Biden-era foreign policy establishment and mainstream media seem all too eager to push for intervention, ignoring the lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan.
As the drums of war beat louder, Carlson’s warning stands as a much-needed call for restraint and common sense. The conservative movement must resist the siren song of foreign entanglements and demand that our leaders prioritize American interests above all else. The path forward is clear: defend our allies, deter our enemies, but do not sacrifice American lives and treasure for another endless war in the Middle East. The base that delivered Trump to the White House expects nothing less.
