Israel-Iran bombings: Conflict divides Trump’s MAGA base over U.S. involvement
Trump, Rubio, Carlson, and MAGA influencers react to Israeli airstrikes amid rising fears of wider war.
As Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran Thursday night, the expected MAGA chorus on social media and in conservative media was mostly silent. With the prominent pro-Trump voices not saying anything, the absence of reaction highlighted a larger rift within the MAGA movement about how the United States should navigate rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
It wasn't until nearly 10 hours later that the President, Donald Trump, issued a statement on Truth Social where he called on Iran to stop pursuing its nuclear ambitions. The U.S. government, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had already issued a statement emphasizing that the United States had no involvement in the Israeli operation.
MAGA base wary of foreign entanglements
After the Israeli strikes, many of Trump's allies aligned closely with the administration's official message: The U.S. was not involved. Republican strategist Alex Bruesewitz posted Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on social media, making a note to emphasize that point. Others, like Trump-oriented activist Laura Loomer, were quick to express their support for Trump and Israel, stating Iran must never be allowed to get a nuclear weapon.
Some MAGA voices, however, pointed to deeper troubles. Attorney and commentator Mehek Cooke stated her recent trip to Israel demonstrated to her that there is real harm from Iran's aggression with a coherent argument that the strikes were not only justified, but inevitable. Cooke pointed to polls that showed many Americans support military action to make sure Iran does not go nuclear, saying that while the MAGA movement desires peace, it also knows what a threat looks like. "Yes, some in MAGA like an isolationist approach," Cooke said, "but appeasement is not the answer."
Israel's attacks on Iran leave several people injured and dead under the rubble. Photo: en.ara.cat
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Trump walks a tightrope on Israel and Iran
Trump has consistently supported Israel and reiterated that support after the airstrikes while also pushing for a diplomatic solution. He said Iran should "make a deal" before taking any violent measures, Obama's hope for a new nuclear agreement to replace the one he terminated in his first term. Nonetheless, MAGA figures continue to diverge, some believing that to take a stance against any form of U.S. involvement including diaphanous symbolic support is to violate the ethos of their movement.
Republican figures close to Trump reiterated the administration's official line that"the U.S. was not involved." Meanwhile, MAGA influencers like Laura Loomer and Mehek Cooke defended Israel's right to take action, with Cooke citing a Rasmussen poll that said 57% of Americans would support military action against Iran's nuclear program. Although she noted that MAGA is cautioning its tone, maintaining that even if it is a movement seeking peace, "appeasement is not an option."
