Conservative Media Voices Criticize Trump's Iran War Decision

Prominent conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have broken ranks to question the president's actions.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Some of President Donald Trump's staunchest conservative media allies, including Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Matt Walsh, have voiced sharp criticism of his decision to go to war with Iran. They have questioned the influence of Israel on Trump's calculus and whether American troops died for a 'foreign country' rather than U.S. interests. This fracturing of Trump's conservative media support illustrates the power and value of that support when unified, as well as the potential problems it can cause when it fragments.

Why it matters

Trump has relied heavily on conservative media figures to bolster his political standing and narrative. Their criticism of his Iran decision, which has centered on the perceived influence of Israel, highlights the potential cracks in that alliance and the challenges Trump could face if more of his media allies turn against him, especially if the war goes poorly.

The details

The criticism from figures like Carlson, Kelly, and Walsh has focused on the role of Israel in Trump's decision-making process. They have suggested that the U.S. attacked Iran to preempt retaliation against Israeli targets, rather than to protect American interests. This has led to accusations that Trump is putting a 'foreign country' ahead of the U.S. The White House has pushed back, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issuing a lengthy defense of Trump's rationale on social media.

  • On February 27, 2026, President Trump spoke to reporters before departing the White House.
  • On February 18, 2026, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a briefing at the White House.

The players

Tucker Carlson

A conservative media figure who has built his own independent media operation after leaving Fox News.

Megyn Kelly

A former Fox News anchor who now hosts her own independent show.

Matt Walsh

A host on the conservative Daily Wire media platform.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel, whose influence on Trump's decision-making has been questioned.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who has defended Trump's Iran decision.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to say this, but the United States didn't make the decision here. Benjamin Netanyahu did.”

— Tucker Carlson (ABC News)

“No one should have to die for a foreign country. I don't think those service members died for the United States. I think they died for Iran or Israel.”

— Megyn Kelly (Megyn Kelly's show)

“We knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them, before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.”

— Marco Rubio, Secretary of State (Capitol Hill briefing)

“Rubio was flat out telling us that we're in a war with Iran because Israel forced our hand. This is basically the worst possible thing he could have said.”

— Matt Walsh, Daily Wire host (X)

“Make America Great Again' was supposed to be America first, not Israel first.”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former U.S. Representative (Megyn Kelly's podcast)

What’s next

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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.