The two former Fox News stars, who still occupy a prominent place in MAGA media, have fiercely criticized Trump’s U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. The attacks have killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and hundreds of civilians, while American casualties are growing in the conflict. There are concerns the U.S. could be mired in an escalating fight overseas ― without the OK of Congress.
Carlson called the attacks “absolutely disgusting and evil,” and Kelly expressed severe doubt over Trump’s explanations, declaring, “No one should have to die for a foreign country.”
“I think that MAGA is Trump — MAGA’s not the other two,” Trump said of Kelly and Carlson.
“MAGA wants to see our country thrive and be safe. 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.”
Trump added, “Megan was opposed to me for years when I ran the first time, and nothing stopped me. 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, Trump said the former prime time face of perhaps his favorite channel “can say whatever he wants; it has no impact on me.”
In attempting to justify the mission, Trump has been fanning fears over Iran’s nuclear arsenal again after claiming he obliterated its capability in targeted strikes months ago. He has also offered other rationales, muddying his message.