Cracks Emerge in Trump's Conservative Media Support Over Iran War

Once-loyal figures like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly criticize the president's decision to go to war with Iran.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In the early days of the Iran war, President Donald Trump has faced sharp criticism from some conservative media figures who have been loyal supporters in the past. Figures like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Matt Walsh have expressed discontent with the decision to go to war, citing concerns over Israel's influence on Trump's decision-making. While the majority of Trump's conservative media base remains supportive, these cracks illustrate the value of that support and the potential problems if it fractures.

Why it matters

Trump's conservative media support has been crucial to his political success, and any fracturing of that support could pose challenges for him, especially if the Iran war goes poorly. The criticism from figures like Carlson, who has built a large independent following, highlights the potential for Trump to lose some of his most influential media allies if they disagree with his policies.

The details

Much of the criticism has centered on the role of Israel in influencing Trump's decision to go to war. Carlson told ABC News that the attack was "absolutely disgusting and evil" and that "the United States didn't make the decision here, Benjamin Netanyahu did." Kelly said that "no one should have to die for a foreign country" and that the U.S. service members "died for Iran or Israel." Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks that Trump approved the operation knowing Israel was prepared to strike and fearing Iranian retaliation were also a flashpoint.

  • On March 3, 2026, Tucker Carlson criticized the Iran attack on his podcast, saying it was "absolutely disgusting and evil."
  • On March 3, 2026, Megyn Kelly said on her show that "no one should have to die for a foreign country" and that the U.S. service members "died for Iran or Israel."

The players

Tucker Carlson

A former Fox News host who has built his own independent media operation and has been critical of Trump's decision to go to war with Iran.

Megyn Kelly

A former Fox News anchor who has also been critical of Trump's decision to go to war with Iran, saying that "no one should have to die for a foreign country."

Marco Rubio

The Secretary of State who said that Trump approved the operation knowing Israel was prepared to strike and fearing Iranian retaliation.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former U.S. Representative who has fashioned herself as an influencer and media figure, and who said she was furious over the U.S. military action, saying "Make America Great Again" was supposed to be "America first, not Israel first."

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who made the decision to go to war with Iran, which has faced criticism from some of his once-loyal conservative media figures.

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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)

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

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

“I think that MAGA gives him the benefit of the doubt, no question about it. I think he's built up a ton of credibility with the base.”

— Sean Spicer, Former White House Press Secretary (Sean Spicer's Podcast)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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