Trump's Base Revolts Over War With Iran

MAGA leaders express dismay and anger at the president's military action, which they say betrays his 'anti-globalist, anti-imperial' campaign message.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Prominent voices who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign are publicly condemning his administration's decision to launch an 'illegal war of aggression' against Iran. Figures like Curt Mills, Dave Smith, Rich Baris, and Andrew Tate have criticized the move, saying it goes against Trump's 'anti-globalist, anti-imperial' platform that appealed to his base. The backlash has led to concerns that Republican turnout could suffer in the 2026 midterm elections, with some predicting the party could 'legitimately lose the Senate' due to the fallout.

Why it matters

Trump's base revolt over the Iran conflict highlights the political risks of the president's decision to pursue military action, which appears to contradict his 'America First' campaign promises. The backlash from key MAGA supporters could undermine Republican electoral prospects, especially if it leads to depressed turnout among Trump's core voters.

The details

According to the report, Trump's decision to launch strikes against Iran has drawn strong criticism from prominent voices in his own political base. Curt Mills, the executive director of The American Conservative magazine, said Trump's 'core appeal' in 2024 was an 'anti-globalist, anti-imperial' message, but now 'it just seems overt' that 'the administration serves rich people and does wars for foreign countries.' Comedian and political commentator Dave Smith, who endorsed Trump in 2024, accused the president of 'betraying the American people and his own base' with the 'illegal war of aggression.' Other pro-Trump figures like pollster Rich Baris and influencer Andrew Tate have also voiced strong opposition to the conflict.

  • The US strikes on Iran occurred on June 21, 2025.
  • The backlash from Trump's base emerged in the aftermath of the 12-day war with Iran.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who launched military strikes against Iran during his second term in office.

Curt Mills

The executive director of The American Conservative magazine, who has described Trump's presidency as an 'imperial presidency' that betrays his 'anti-globalist, anti-imperial' campaign message.

Dave Smith

A comedian and political commentator who endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, but has now accused the president of 'betraying the American people and his own base' with the 'illegal war of aggression' against Iran.

Rich Baris

A pro-Trump pollster who has criticized the administration's decision to launch the conflict with Iran.

Andrew Tate

An influencer who has received support from the Trump administration, but has reacted to the Iran conflict by stating 'NOBODY WANTS THIS WAR.'

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What they’re saying

“By launching this illegal war of aggression against Iran, Donald Trump has betrayed the American people and his own base, none of whom wanted this.”

— Dave Smith, Comedian and political commentator (Vanity Fair)

“No, sorry, I don't think regime change suddenly became good policy or politics just because Donald Trump did it.”

— Rich Baris, Pro-Trump pollster (X)

“NOBODY WANTS THIS WAR.”

— Andrew Tate (Vanity Fair)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.