President Donald Trump isn’t backing down from his staunch support for Israel’s strikes on Iran, and he’s got a sharp message for the naysayers. Speaking by phone with The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer, Trump tackled critics like Tucker Carlson who claim his pro-Israel stance betrays the “America First” mantra. Spoiler: He’s not buying their logic.
Trump defended his position, arguing that preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon is critical for global peace, a point he drove home in response to anti-war critics. He’s resisted direct U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict but hasn’t shied away from supplying Israel with weapons. The administration is even mulling over joining an Israeli attack on Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear facility, reported Breitbart.
Critics, waving their anti-war flags, argue that backing Israel’s aggression contradicts Trump’s signature “America First” policy. Trump, who coined the term, scoffed at their critique, asserting his authority to define it. “Well, considering that I’m the one who developed ‘America First,’… I think I’m the one who decides that,” he told Scherer, swatting away the criticism like a pesky fly.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions aren’t a game, and Trump knows it. He warned, “[Y]ou can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon,” a blunt reality check for those dreaming of a hands-off approach. His critics might want to rethink their definition of peace if it includes a nuclear-armed Tehran.
The Fordow facility, buried deep in a mountain, poses a unique challenge, as it’s beyond the Israeli Air Force’s known bombing capabilities. The U.S. considering a joint strike signals a serious escalation, though Trump has kept American boots off the ground so far. It’s a delicate balance—supporting an ally without diving headfirst into another Middle East quagmire.
Trump’s not just playing defense; he’s pushing for diplomacy, urging Iran to return to negotiations after Israel’s successful attacks. Iran, stubborn as ever, has resisted halting its uranium enrichment, ballistic missile programs, and support for terrorist groups abroad. Good luck getting them to the table when they’re this dug in.
Despite the high stakes, Trump struck an optimistic tone about world affairs during his chat with Scherer. “I think we have done very well,” he said, patting his administration on the back for managing global conflicts. It’s classic Trump—confident, even when the world’s on edge.
Critics like Carlson might call Trump’s Israel support a betrayal of “America First,” but Trump sees it differently. He argues that stopping Iran’s nuclear program protects American interests by preventing a catastrophic escalation. Sorry, Tucker, but a nuclear Iran isn’t exactly a win for Main Street.
Trump’s encouragement of talks with Iran shows he’s not itching for war, despite what his detractors claim. He’s trying to thread the needle—back Israel, pressure Iran, and avoid a full-blown conflict. It’s a tightrope walk, and he’s doing it with his usual swagger.
The U.S. providing weapons to Israel is a clear signal of where Trump stands, but he’s stopped short of committing troops. This restraint counters the narrative that he’s abandoning “America First” for foreign entanglements. Critics might want to check their facts before crying foul.
Iran’s refusal to budge on its nuclear and missile programs only complicates things. Trump’s call for negotiations is pragmatic, but Iran’s track record suggests they’re more interested in defiance than dialogue. That’s a problem when the stakes are this high.
Trump’s response to Carlson and company is a masterclass in owning the narrative. He reminded everyone that he invented “America First,” so he gets to decide what it means. It’s a bold flex, and he’s not wrong—nobody owns that phrase like he does.
For those clutching their pearls over U.S. support for Israel, Trump has a wake-up call. “For those people who say they want peace, u can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon,” he said, dismantling the idea that isolationism equals tranquility. It’s a zinger that hits hard and true.
The Fordow facility’s inaccessibility underscores why Trump’s taking this seriously—Iran’s not playing checkers; they’re playing chess. A joint U.S.-Israel strike could be a game-changer, but it’s a risky move that could inflame the region further. Trump’s weighing the options, and he’s not blinking.
At the end of the day, Trump’s betting that supporting Israel while pushing for talks with Iran keeps America’s interests first. His critics might disagree, but they’re missing the bigger picture: a nuclear Iran threatens everyone, not just Israel. Trump’s playing the long game, and he’s not afraid to call out the shortsightedness of those shouting “peace” from the sidelines.
