The Israeli strikes, endorsed by Trump, challenge his peace promise and divide his support base, raising concerns among right-wing politicians and commentators about the ‘America First’ platform’s alignment with unconditional support for Israel.
“The ‘America First’ base feels betrayed and enraged, turning skeptical of Israel. They believe such wars compromise Republican presidencies and their broader domestic agenda,” says Trita Parsi, Quincy Institute’s executive vice president.
‘Drop Israel’
Conservatives question the Israeli strikes, urging the US not to support a conflict that doesn’t serve its interests. Influential commentator Tucker Carlson advices against backing “war-hungry” Israel, warning of potential terrorism and American lives lost. “Let Israel fight its wars,” he suggests.
Republican Senator Rand Paul also opposes war with Iran, arguing the American people voted for Trump’s ‘America First’ to avoid “endless wars.” He urges Trump to prioritize American interests over involvement in foreign conflicts.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s opposition underscores a growing trend; many in Congress back the strikes, but there is a clear divide among Trump’s ‘America First’ base over support for Israel.
Israel’s attacks
Days before Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting military bases and nuclear facilities, Trump affirmed the administration’s commitment to diplomacy with Tehran. The sixth round of denuclearisation talks was scheduled, yet the attacks revealed a disconnect between Trump’s diplomatic stance and the support for military action. Despite knowing about the strikes, Trump placed blame on Iran, reiterating his stance against nuclear enrichment.
The ‘America First’ base
Criticism of the strikes highlights a growing divide among Republicans over US-Israel relations. A recent survey shows half of Republicans under 50 hold an unfavourable view of Israel. Skepticism over military interventions, drawn from lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan, colors this stance.
Trump’s campaign leveraged the public’s disillusionment with these conflicts. Yet, close ties between the US and Israel, along with long-standing Republican support for confrontation with Iran, poses the risk of the US being drawn into a Middle East conflict.
