Trump's Iran Strikes Spark Backlash Among MAGA Supporters

New poll shows 56% of Americans oppose U.S. military action against Iran as some Republicans criticize the president's shift in policy.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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As the U.S. strikes against Iran enter their second week, a new poll found that 56% of Americans oppose the military action. The Trump administration's actions are facing growing skepticism and criticism from lawmakers, including some Republicans, and have triggered a backlash among supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Trump has provided shifting rationales for the strikes, leading some to question his motives. While most Republicans back the president, some have questioned his sudden policy shift, with one former ally calling the war "America Last" and a podcast host slamming the attack as "absolutely disgusting and evil."

Why it matters

The backlash from Trump's own supporters highlights the political risks the president faces as the conflict with Iran continues. With the midterm elections approaching, the unpopular war could become a drag on Republican candidates in a year when the fundamentals already favor Democrats.

The details

The Trump administration has defended the strikes on Iran, insisting there was an "imminent threat." However, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said the administration could produce no evidence of an imminent threat in a classified setting. While most Republicans have backed the president, some, like former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Congressman Thomas Massie, have criticized the shift in policy, calling it un-"America First." Podcast host Tucker Carlson, a long-time Trump supporter, has slammed the attack on Iran as "absolutely disgusting and evil," claiming it is "Israel's war" and not in the interest of U.S. national security.

  • The strikes against Iran entered their second week on March 8, 2026.
  • A new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll was released on Friday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the strikes on Iran.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who has defended the strikes on Iran.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who has defended the strikes on Iran.

Tim Kaine

A Democratic Senator who co-sponsored a war powers resolution in the Senate aimed at curbing Trump's military operations against Iran.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former Republican Congresswoman and Trump ally who has criticized the war with Iran as "America Last."

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What they’re saying

“War with Iran is AMERICA LAST and we voted against it.”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former Republican Congresswoman (X)

“I am opposed to this war. This is not 'America First'.”

— Thomas Massie, Republican Congressman (X)

“This is Israel's war. This war is not being waged on behalf of American national security objectives ... This war is waged purely because Israel wanted it to be waged.”

— Tucker Carlson, Podcast Host (Podcast)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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