Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, now leading United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), recently praised Trump for his firm support of Iranian protesters challenging Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime.
Bush highlighted Trump’s leadership in advocating for a denuclearized and democratized Iran, aligning UANI’s mission with Trump’s call for action. This marks a significant shift from their heated rivalry during the 2015-2016 presidential campaign period.
The détente follows Trump’s Tuesday post on Truth Social urging Iranian “patriots” to persist in their protests against the regime. Trump’s message came amid reports of Tehran’s violent response to demonstrators, prompting him to cancel talks with Iranian leaders. A senior administration official also affirmed U.S. support for Iranians facing human rights abuses under what they called one of the world’s worst violators of such rights.
Supporters of this newfound unity contend that it signals a powerful shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Iran, Fox News reported. For too long, the West has hesitated to back the Iranian people against brutal repression. Trump and Bush joining forces could finally tip the scales toward moral clarity.
Trump’s post was direct and unapologetic: “Take over your institutions. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a high price.”
That kind of rhetoric cuts through diplomatic fluff, delivering a message the Iranian regime can’t ignore. It’s a far cry from the equivocation Bush and UANI co-leader Mark Wallace criticized in past U.S. and Western responses. Their joint statement underscored the need for unwavering support as Iranians risk their lives for freedom.
Reflecting on their past, the 2015-2016 campaign was a battlefield of sharp jabs and personal barbs. Trump branded Bush “Low-Energy Jeb” and even quipped, “Your mom can’t help you with ISIS,” targeting a campaign ad by former first lady Barbara Bush. Bush fired back, calling Trump a “chaos candidate” during a debate at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California.
Yet, time has a way of smoothing old wounds. This week’s praise from Bush shows a willingness to set aside personal history for a shared cause. It’s a pragmatic move, especially on an issue as critical as Iran’s nuclear ambitions and human rights abuses.
Bush, alongside Wallace—a former diplomat and ex-husband of MS-NOW host Nicolle Wallace—leads UANI, a nonprofit dedicated to countering Iran’s threats. Their statement hailed Trump’s stance as a historic departure from past hesitancy. They believe his leadership offers a clear path forward for the West.
Trump’s tougher approach to Iran stands out compared to recent administrations, earning nods even from former rivals. Reports of Tehran shooting protesters in the streets prompted his swift rejection of dialogue with regime leaders. That decisiveness is what many have craved after years of perceived weakness.
Bush and Wallace echoed this sentiment, stating, “UANI applauds President Trump’s unprecedented support of the people of Iran as they fight to reclaim their country.” Their words carry weight, given UANI’s nonpartisan focus on combating Iran’s dangers. It’s not about politics—it’s about principle.
The Iranian regime’s record of oppression, as noted by a senior administration official, justifies this unified front. Supporting protesters isn’t just a policy choice; it’s a stand against authoritarian brutality. The U.S. can’t afford to look the other way while citizens face bullets for basic freedoms.
This alignment between Bush and Trump isn’t just symbolic—it’s a call to action for the West. UANI’s mission to stand with Iranians dovetails with Trump’s public push for accountability. Together, they’re amplifying a message of solidarity that’s long overdue.
Critics of past policies will likely see this as a refreshing change, a rejection of diplomatic tiptoeing around a regime that thrives on fear. The Ayatollah’s grip on power depends on silencing dissent, but voices like Trump’s and Bush’s aim to embolden the oppressed. It’s a gamble, but one worth taking for the sake of freedom.
