Trump’s blunt attack on former allies exposes splintered MAGA coalition
Trump’s Blunt Attack on Former Allies Exposes Fractures in MAGA Coalition
During a Truth Social post on Thursday, Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of four conservative figures who have voiced dissent against the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The president labeled them as “stupid people” and dismissed their influence, stating that “nobody cares about them.” This 372-word post detailed his grievances with the group, who once played key roles in supporting his 2024 campaign. Among those targeted were former Fox News hosts Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, along with conspiracy theorists Alex Jones and Candace Owens.
The Disconnection from MAGA
Trump’s remarks highlighted a growing rift within his political base. While these individuals previously aligned with his “Make America Great Again” movement, he now claims their views contradict its core principles. “They’re not MAGA, they’re losers,” he wrote, suggesting their criticism of the Iran war was a betrayal. The president also implied that their influence had waned, as he claimed to be “too busy on world and country affairs” to respond to their calls.
“They’re not MAGA, they’re losers,” he said. “As president, I could get them on my side anytime I want to, but when they call, I don’t return their calls because I’m too busy on world and country affairs.”
Carlson’s Shift from Fox News
Carlson, who led Fox News’ top-rated evening show and averaged over four million nightly viewers before leaving in 2023, has since moved to X. His populist take on conservatism has drawn criticism, with some accusing him of spreading misinformation and leaning into conspiracy theories. He openly opposed the Iran war early on, recently calling Trump’s Easter Sunday speech to Iran “vile on every level” and condemning the threat to civilian infrastructure as a war crime.
“The Israelis have him in a hammerlock,” Carlson stated, reflecting concerns that Netanyahu’s influence had shaped Trump’s foreign policy decisions.
Owens’ Sharp Verdict
Candace Owens, another critic, offered a more direct assessment. “It may be time to put Grandpa up in a home,” she wrote, implying Trump’s approach to the Iran war was outdated and increasingly erratic. This remark added to a wave of discontent within the right-wing community, where some see the conflict as a departure from Trump’s original platform.
Greene’s Rejection of Trump’s Leadership
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former congresswoman and Trump ally, echoed this sentiment. She criticized the president’s “mad” pursuit of the Iran war, calling it a broken campaign promise. “I fought alongside Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones to help get Trump elected,” she wrote. “We never changed, Trump did.”
Greene’s split from Trump last year was driven by her accusations of his lack of transparency regarding Epstein-linked documents. Her recent attacks on the Iran war, alongside Carlson’s and others’, signal a deepening divide within the conservative movement. This internal tension now complicates Trump’s efforts to maintain unity as he prepares for critical negotiations with Iran.
The Stakes of a Fragile Ceasefire
A two-week ceasefire with Iran is currently in effect, but Trump has already warned of potential military action if talks fail. In a Friday interview with the New York Post, he revealed that the US military is rearming and resupplying, ready to escalate hostilities. This readiness underscores the high stakes for Trump, as opposition from within his party intensifies.
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