Trump Contradicts Himself on Calling Iran Conflict a 'War'

The president has repeatedly insisted the conflict is not a war, but his own rhetoric suggests otherwise.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:25pm

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President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that America's conflict with Iran is not a 'war,' but he has contradicted himself by using that exact term to describe the military operations. Trump has used various other labels for the conflict, including 'major combat operations,' 'a little excursion,' and 'our hostilities in the Middle East.' This inconsistent messaging has drawn criticism from Trump's own MAGA supporters, who feel 'betrayed' by the president's actions.

Why it matters

Trump's shifting rhetoric on the Iran conflict highlights the administration's attempts to avoid triggering congressional authority over matters of war. However, the president's own words undermine these efforts and raise questions about the true nature and scope of the military operations.

The details

In a Wednesday speech, Trump said he won't call the Iran conflict a 'war' because 'you are supposed to get approval,' suggesting the label could trigger congressional authority. Yet on the same day, he referred to it as a 'war.' Earlier, during a Monday speech in Memphis, he said Democrats call it a 'war' while he calls it a 'military operation,' but then noted he had the Secretary of Defense's title changed to 'Secretary of War' because 'we like the sound of it better.' Trump has used other terms like 'major combat operations,' 'a little excursion,' and 'our hostilities [with Iran] in the Middle East' to describe the conflict.

  • On March 26, 2026, Trump referred to the Iran conflict as a 'war' in a Wednesday speech.
  • On March 24, 2026, Trump said in a Monday speech in Memphis that he had the Secretary of Defense's title changed to 'Secretary of War' because 'we like the sound of it better.'

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has repeatedly insisted the conflict with Iran is not a 'war' while using that term and others to describe the military operations.

Joe Rogan

A prominent Trump supporter and right-wing podcaster who admitted many of the president's antiwar supporters felt 'betrayed' by the Iran conflict.

Joe Kent

President Donald Trump's former National Counterterrorism Center Director, who resigned in March 2026 over the immorality of the Iran war.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.