Trump Calls Iran War Opponents 'Foolish' at Easter Event

Trump Defends Iran War, Criticizes Opponents

At the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing war with Iran, labeling Americans who oppose the conflict as “foolish.” When asked by a reporter what he would say to those not in favor of the war, Trump was direct in his response.

“They’re foolish because the war’s about one thing,” the president stated. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

He framed the military action as a necessary step to ensure regional and global security, specifically highlighting the protection of Israel. Trump argued that had his administration not withdrawn from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, brokered by the Obama administration, the consequences would have been dire. “Israel would have been wiped off the face of the earth and the entire Middle East would have been at a minimum, in big trouble,” he claimed.

Controversial Remarks on 'Taking the Oil'

During his exchange with reporters, Trump also made controversial comments regarding Iran's natural resources. He expressed a personal desire to seize the country's oil reserves but suggested that American public sentiment was a restraining factor.

“If I had my choice what would I like to do? Take the oil because it's there for the taking,” Trump said. “There's not a thing they can do about it. Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home.” He added, “If it were up to me, I'd take the oil. I'd keep the oil and would make plenty of money.”

These remarks come amid heightened tensions and a military campaign that has now entered its 34th day, a conflict Trump described as having “obliterated a very powerful country.”

Public Opinion and Internal Dissent

The president's comments stand in contrast to recent polling data on the war. A CNN poll conducted shortly after the initial joint U.S.-Israeli strikes found that nearly six in ten Americans, or 59%, disapprove of the attack. The partisan divide is stark, with 77% of Republicans approving of the action compared to only 18% of Democrats.

However, Trump pointed to a different poll to underscore his support. “CNN did a poll of MAGA voters, a big poll... 100% support,” he said, asserting that his base remains firmly behind his decisions. “MAGA loves what I'm doing.”

The conflict has also created fissures within the administration. Joe Kent, the director of national counterterrorism, resigned in protest. Kent stated he could not “in good conscience support the ongoing war,” adding to the signs of internal disagreement over the strategy.

Criticism of NATO Allies

President Trump also voiced significant frustration with NATO allies, criticizing their refusal to participate in the military operations against Iran. He described their decision as a “very foolish mistake” and questioned the alliance's commitment to the United States.

“I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So, this is a... this was a great test,” Trump remarked from the Oval Office. He noted that while allies verbally supported the goal of preventing a nuclear Iran, they were unwilling to provide direct assistance. “Everyone agrees with us, but they don't want to help,” he said. “We as the United States have to remember that because we think it's pretty shocking.”

Despite the lack of NATO support, Trump asserted that the U.S. does not need help, citing strong support from Middle Eastern partners including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, with Israel acting as a key partner in the operations.

Claims of Regime Change and Military Success

Throughout his comments, Trump projected confidence in the military campaign's progress. He claimed the U.S. had achieved “total regime change” in Iran and was now dealing with a “third group of people” who are “much more reasonable” than previous leadership.

He also stated that Iran's military capabilities have been severely degraded. “We've obliterated a very powerful country in 34 days,” he said, adding that Iran has “no capability” to fight back, despite having some remaining missiles and drones. The president is expected to hold a formal news conference later in the day to provide further updates on the war.