Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump clash over Israel policy as the former Fox News host accuses the president of abandoning ‘America First’ principles by supporting Israeli strikes against Iran. Trump defended himself, stating he is “the one that decides” what America First means. Is this disagreement causing a division within the MAGA movement?
Growing Rift Between Former Allies
President Donald Trump and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson are engaged in an unprecedented public dispute over US policy toward Israel and Iran. The conflict emerged after Carlson published a newsletter titled “This Could Be the Final Newsletter Before All-Out War,” where he explicitly criticized Trump’s support for Israel’s military campaign against Iran. The confrontation marks a significant break between two influential conservative voices who previously maintained a strong alliance.
In response to Carlson’s criticism, Trump firmly defended his position on Truth Social, asserting his authority over the America First doctrine. The president reminded his followers of his role in popularizing the term, stating, “Well, considering that I’m the one that developed ‘America First,’ and considering that the term wasn’t used until I came along, I think I’m the one that decides that.”
Tucker Carlson called Trump “complicit” in Israel’s attack and urged the president to “drop Israel” and “let them fight their own wars.”
“The United States should not at any level participate in a war with Iran. No funding, no American weapons, no troops on the ground.… pic.twitter.com/ICPYA5q5Ok
— AF Post (@AFpost) June 14, 2025
Carlson’s Accusations and Trump’s Defense
Carlson directly accused Trump of compromising his America First principles by supporting Israel’s military actions. In his newsletter, Carlson wrote, “Despite being complicit in the act of war, the president hopes last night’s events will help his ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran.” The former Fox News host went further, asserting that “Washington knew these attacks would happen. They aided Israel in carrying them out. Politicians purporting to be America First can’t now credibly turn around and say they had nothing to do with it.”
Trump maintains that the United States was not directly involved in the attacks on Iran, stating unequivocally on Truth Social, “The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight.” However, he complicated this message by later boasting about Israel’s use of American-made military equipment. This apparent contradiction has fueled Carlson’s criticism that the administration is more deeply involved than it admits.
Tucker Carlson & Steve Bannon say Trump getting involved in Iran would precipitate the DOWNFALL of the “American Empire” and destroy his legacy
I agree and have said this many times, anyone who is honest and not an idiot knows this
THE US CANT AFFORD IT
pic.twitter.com/arFN4fAxkq— ADAM (@AdameMedia) June 16, 2025
Dividing the MAGA Movement
The disagreement between Carlson and Trump has exposed deeper divisions within the MAGA movement regarding foreign policy. Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec warned that “a direct strike on Iran right now would disastrously split the Trump coalition. Trump smartly ran against starting new wars; this is what the swing states voted for.” Similarly, conservative activist Charlie Kirk acknowledged that foreign policy has become a divisive issue on the right.
The conflict has escalated with Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes against Israel, which have been met with Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Despite advising Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu against attacks on Iran, Trump has publicly maintained support for Israel while simultaneously pushing for a diplomatic resolution and nuclear deal with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reinforced the administration’s position that the US was not involved in the initial attacks.
Balancing Diplomacy and Alliance
Trump has attempted to navigate a delicate balance between supporting a traditional ally and avoiding deeper American involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. Before the Israeli strikes, Trump revealed, “I don’t want them going in because I think it [an attack] would blow” the US nuclear negotiations with Iran. After Israel proceeded with the attacks despite his advice, Trump maintained that peace cannot be achieved if Iran possesses nuclear weapons, using this as justification for his continued diplomatic efforts.
The planned nuclear talks between the US and Iran were canceled following the Israeli strikes, complicating Trump’s diplomatic strategy. The administration continues to emphasize that while it supports Israel’s right to defend itself, it seeks to prevent a broader regional conflict that could draw in American forces. For many Trump supporters who embraced his earlier criticism of foreign entanglements, this nuanced position has proven difficult to reconcile with America First principles.