A deepening rift within the MAGA movement is emerging as President Donald Trump contemplates direct U.S. military action against Iran in support of Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. This potential move has sparked backlash among prominent “America First” figures such as Tucker Carlson and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who argue that military intervention contradicts Trump’s previous campaign promises to avoid new foreign conflicts. Carlson, in particular, issued sharp criticism in a newsletter and during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s podcast, calling Trump “complicit in an act of war.” However, behind-the-scenes outreach from Trump’s inner circle appears to be bridging the divide, with Carlson reportedly offering a private apology to the president. Meanwhile, Bannon expressed confidence that Trump’s base would ultimately support him if he moved forward with bombing Iran.
The debate has spilled into Trump’s cabinet, as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard voiced strong opposition to military escalation, warning of a nuclear threat, which led to her being sidelined. In response, Vice President J.D. Vance defended Gabbard, calling her a loyal patriot and vital to the administration’s national security team, though he placed blame on Iran for failing to engage diplomatically. As pressure mounts, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump has not yet decided on whether to deploy “bunker buster” bombs against Iran’s fortified Fordow facility, citing a two-week window for potential negotiations. Simultaneously, Israel continues to press the U.S. for assistance in targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, underscoring the tense geopolitical landscape and the precarious position Trump finds himself navigating within both global affairs and his own political coalition.
