President Donald Trump is pushing back against criticism from high-profile conservative media figures over U.S. military strikes in Iran, framing his actions as essential to national security and dismissing claims that the measures are unpopular among his supporters.
Speaking with independent journalist Rachel Bade on Monday, Trump emphasized the urgency of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “I have to do what’s right, number one — and you can’t have Iran getting a nuclear weapon. That’s predominant to me,” he said.
The president specifically addressed former Fox News hosts Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, both of whom have publicly questioned his Iran strategy. Trump said their criticism does not reflect the views of his base. “I think that MAGA is Trump — MAGA’s not the other two,” he said. Regarding Kelly, he added, “she was critical of me for years and I didn’t lose. I won all three times by a lot.”
“MAGA wants to see our country thrive and be safe,” Trump continued. “And MAGA loves what I’m doing — every aspect of it. … This is a detour that we have to take in order to keep our country safe and keep other countries safe, frankly.”
In the days leading up to Saturday’s strikes, which killed several top Iranian leaders and six U.S. service members, Carlson reportedly lobbied the president against military action. Despite criticism and polling showing broad public unease, Trump has indicated he is prepared to continue operations in Iran and has acknowledged that more American casualties may occur.
The White House has justified the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to safeguard both American lives and global stability. These operations follow last year’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump said left Iran’s nuclear capabilities “totally obliterated.”
The strikes have prompted debate within conservative media. Right-wing pundit Matt Walsh criticized the administration’s messaging as “confused.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, saying, “the terrorist Iranian regime would not say yes to peace.” She added, “Prior American leaders were too weak and cowardly to do anything about it. Now, President Donald J. Trump is correcting decades of cowardice and holding those responsible for the deaths of Americans accountable. Their brutal attacks and threats will finally end under President Trump.”
On Capitol Hill, some Senate Republicans have raised concerns about a protracted conflict in Iran, even after supporting Trump’s decision to order strikes. Others defended the president, pushing back against criticism from figures like Carlson, Kelly, and Walsh. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told CNN, “I don’t know Tucker Carlson. I’ve never sat down and shaken his hand. I don’t know if I met him, or maybe I have, but Tucker Carlson doesn’t speak for me … and I’ll say Tucker Carlson doesn’t speak for the Republican Party either or the president.” He added, “I disagree with a lot that Tucker Carlson says.”
The episode underscores a growing divide between conservative media commentary and political leadership, with Trump asserting control over the narrative on Iran while some commentators voice skepticism about the strategy and its consequences. The debate highlights the ongoing tension within the Republican base, balancing support for national security measures with concerns over extended military engagement in the Middle East.
