White House Lashes Out Over Criticism of Misleading Iran War Polls

Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan calls out White House Press Secretary for 'proud and open' lies about war support

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The White House has lashed out at critics who called out the administration for misleading the public about the level of American support for the ongoing war with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed 'Americans agree that Operation Epic Fury is an overwhelming success,' citing polls that only surveyed 'MAGA Republicans' who make up less than 20% of the population. Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC host, criticized Leavitt for the misleading claim, prompting a fierce backlash from the Trump administration's political team.

Why it matters

The White House's response highlights the administration's sensitivity to criticism over its handling of the unpopular Iran war, which polls show is opposed by more Americans than support it. The administration's willingness to lash out at media figures for fact-checking its claims raises concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The details

In a Thursday press release, the White House claimed that polls showed 'overwhelming' American support for the war with Iran, known as 'Operation Epic Fury.' However, the polls cited only surveyed 'MAGA Republicans,' a group that makes up less than 20% of the US population. Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC host, called out the White House's 'proud and open' lies about the war's popularity. In response, a Trump administration political communications account attacked Hasan, calling him a 'moron' for 'trembling at the idea that Americans support killing terrorists.' Hasan later published a scathing rebuttal, arguing that the war has been an 'unmitigated disaster' and is 'strangling the global economy.'

  • On Thursday, March 21, 2026, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the misleading claim about American support for the Iran war.
  • On Friday, March 22, 2026, the Trump administration's political team lashed out at Mehdi Hasan for criticizing the White House's claims.
  • On Sunday, March 24, 2026, Mehdi Hasan published a rebuttal criticizing the White House's response.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who made the misleading claim about American support for the Iran war.

Mehdi Hasan

A former MSNBC host who criticized the White House's misleading claims about the war's popularity.

Rapid Response 47

A political communications account affiliated with President Donald Trump's team that lashed out at Mehdi Hasan.

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What they’re saying

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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