President Donald Trump is reportedly standing firm in the face of criticism from some corners of his own political movement after ordering a sweeping bombing campaign against Iran, arguing that the action was a necessary step to protect the United States and prevent nuclear weapons from falling into dangerous hands.
The United States and Israel began coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, even as peace talks were underway. The military action targeted top figures within the Iranian regime and resulted in the deaths of dozens of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes also came at a heavy cost. Civilians were killed, including at least 165 people — mostly children — at a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran. In addition, six U.S. soldiers lost their lives.
The operation has sparked debate within the broader MAGA coalition, with some high-profile voices expressing strong opposition. Megyn Kelly argued that “no one should have to die for a foreign country,” while Tucker Carlson described the attacks on Iran as “absolutely disgusting and evil.”
But President Trump made clear he is not wavering.
In an interview Monday with journalist Rachael Bade of The Inner Circle, Trump dismissed the idea that criticism from Kelly or Carlson reflects the core of his political base.
“I think that MAGA is Trump — MAGA’s not the other two,” Trump said. “MAGA wants to see our country thrive and be safe. And MAGA loves what I’m doing — every aspect of it.”
The president characterized the military campaign as a necessary deviation from normal course — a “detour,” as he described it — taken in the interest of national and global security.
“This is a detour that we have to take in order to keep our country safe and keep other countries safe, frankly,” Trump said.
Trump also directly addressed Kelly’s opposition, suggesting she revisit the lessons of history.
“Megan should study her history book a little bit,” he said.
The president noted that Kelly had opposed him during his first presidential campaign, yet he prevailed despite that resistance.
“Megan was opposed to me for years when I ran the first time and nothing stopped me,” Trump stated. “And so, you know, some people are against — and they always come back. She came all the way back. But now I guess she maybe doesn’t like the idea of this war, but I do because I have to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranians.”
As for Carlson, who reportedly visited the White House three times in the past month in an effort to discourage an attack, Trump appeared unfazed by the criticism.
“He can say whatever he wants; it has no impact on me,” Trump said.
While the strikes have drawn scrutiny and sparked emotional reactions, the president’s message was unmistakable: he believes the decision was essential to U.S. security. Amid internal debate within the movement he helped build, Trump is asserting that the heart of MAGA remains aligned with his leadership — and with his determination to confront what he views as a growing threat from Iran.
[READ MORE: Erik Prince Questions U.S. Strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Says Mission May Not Serve America’s Interests]
