As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump repeatedly pledged to secure the US out of “endless wars”, put “America first” and focus on domestic policy. After his first term, he boasted, somewhat misleadingly, that there were “no wars” during his presidency.
A Divided Right
Now, the Trump administration’s decision to join Israel in attacking Iran has shocked the US and the world. The move has also fractured conservative media, with some journalists and pundits celebrating Trump’s decision to confront a longtime American foe, while others express dismay at what they see as a return to interventionist policies.
Jack Posobiec, a rightwing podcaster, told Politico, “There is a Maga generational divide on this. Older voters support it, younger voters do not.” He added that younger voters in the Maga movement prioritize issues like arrests related to Epstein, deportations, and economic relief over further military engagement.
Media Reactions
Rupert Murdoch’s news empire has largely supported the military operation. Fox News contributors described the strike on Iran as “just and imperative” and “a successful, coordinated effort to promote fundamental and lasting change in Iran.” The New York Post praised Trump’s “decisive move to destroy Iran’s war machinery and take out the regime’s leadership.”
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board described the strikes as “necessary,” arguing that the “biggest mistake President Trump could make now would be to end the war too soon.” National Review has also largely endorsed the strikes, with one contributor urging the US to supply weapons to the Iranian opposition.
Publications like the Washington Free Beacon, the Daily Wire, and Tablet magazine, which are ardently pro-Israel, have defended the necessity of the strikes. However, Matt Walsh, a Daily Wire contributor, mocked the administration’s rationale for the war, stating, “The messaging on this thing is, to put it mildly, confused.”
The Free Press has taken a more nuanced approach, with pieces sympathetic to regime change in Iran but cautious about the chances of success. The American Conservative, a publication skeptical of foreign wars, was scathing in its criticism of the strikes.
Growing Discontent
Parts of the isolationist-leaning hard right of the Maga movement view the administration’s actions as a “betrayal” of the base. Tucker Carlson called the attack “absolutely disgusting and evil,” arguing it would destabilize the conservative political coalition.
On the far right, conspiracy theorist Candace Owens and white nationalist Nick Fuentes condemned the war. Owens invoked antisemitic conspiracy theories, while Fuentes mocked those who voted for Trump expecting a break from traditional US foreign policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has been the response from conservative media?
Conservative media has been divided, with some outlets celebrating the strikes and others expressing dismay or confusion.
What is the generational divide within the Maga movement regarding the strikes?
According to Jack Posobiec, older Maga voters generally support the strikes, while younger voters do not.
What did Tucker Carlson say about the attack?
Tucker Carlson called the Iran attack “absolutely disgusting and evil” and argued it would unsettle the conservative political coalition.
As the situation unfolds, will the divisions within the conservative movement deepen, or will a consensus emerge regarding the best path forward?
