Trump’s Iran Rift Exposes Deep Divisions Within MAGA Coalition Over U.S. Strike
The escalating prospect of a U.S. strike against Iran has ignited a serious rift within President Donald Trump’s MAGA coalition, with prominent conservative voices warning against American involvement in yet another Middle East war. Despite Trump’s historical isolationist tendencies, his recent signals of support for Israel’s military campaign—and the potential use of U.S. forces—are causing unease among staunch allies like Steve Bannon and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
WASHINGTON, June 18 (Reuters) – The growing likelihood of a U.S. strike on Iran is triggering rare internal conflict within the coalition that brought President Donald Trump to power. Key members of his conservative, isolationist-leaning base are urging him to steer clear of military intervention, warning it would betray his “America First” principles.
Steve Bannon, one of Trump’s most trusted allies and a former top White House strategist, publicly called for restraint.
“We can’t do this again,” Bannon said. “We’ll tear the country apart. We can’t have another Iraq.”
His warning came during an event at the Christian Science Monitor in Washington, reinforcing fears that involvement in Iran could mirror the Iraq War fiasco.
The urgency of Bannon’s plea reflects the deepening concern within the Republican Party’s anti-interventionist wing. Trump, once hailed for challenging the foreign policy establishment, is now seen by some as betraying his roots by supporting Israeli strikes—possibly with the use of “bunker-buster” bombs.
The criticism underscores the potential political cost of escalation. A U.S. military move could alienate the MAGA base that propelled Trump to power and remains crucial for retaining Republican control of Congress in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
Asked about dissent from allies, Trump appeared undeterred:
“My supporters are more in love with me today than ever before,” he said.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
He admitted some supporters are “a little bit unhappy now,” but emphasized that others agree with his firm stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Marc Short, a close Pence ally and Trump’s former legislative director, said the internal division was clear but doubted it would shake Trump’s base:
“Most of the president’s followers are loyal to him more than any worldview.”
Polling data suggests Trump’s stance may not be politically costly across the board. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in March showed 48% of Republicans support using U.S. military force to defend Israel, compared to 28% who disagreed.
Bannon, on his “War Room” podcast, pushed back on fast action:
“This is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world… you can’t just dump this on [the American people],” he said.
Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed his concerns:
“We are sick and tired of foreign wars. All of them.”
Tucker Carlson also voiced opposition, sparring publicly with Senator Ted Cruz over Iran regime change during a heated interview.
The exchange highlighted ideological fault lines:
Carlson: “You don’t know anything about Iran!”
Cruz: “I am not the Tucker Carlson expert on Iran.”
Carlson: “You’re a senator calling for the overthrow of the government.”
JD Vance tried to defend Trump from the backlash:
“People are right to be worried… but the president has earned some trust on this issue.”
As pressure mounts, Trump confirmed Wednesday that he had “some ideas” but had not yet made a final decision. His next move may determine America’s role in another volatile Middle Eastern conflict.
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