MAGA camp divided on war stance: Donald Trump reveals Tucker Carlson called to apologise; Iran's nuclear threat at centre of rift
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday revealed that right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson had phoned him to apologise.
The apology came after the former Fox News host admitted his remarks about the conflict between Israel and Iran were 'a little bit too strong.'
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump called Carlson a 'nice guy' and said he appreciated the apology. 'Tucker's a nice guy,' the President told reporters. 'He called and apologised the other day because he thought he said things that were a little bit too strong and I appreciated that.'
Trump asks Carlson about Iran's nuclear weapons
Trump also said the two discussed Iran's nuclear ambitions, which have become a key concern as the war in the Middle East deepens. 'I did ask Tucker, I said, 'Well, are you OK with nuclear weapons being in the hands of Iran?'' Trump said.
'And he sort of didn't like that. And I said, 'Well, if it's OK with you, then you and I do have a difference.' But it's really not OK with him. Therefore, you may have to fight.'
His remarks come amid growing tensions in the Middle East, where Israel's strikes have reportedly killed over 24 people in Iran and wounded more than 500 in Israel. The attacks have also targeted nuclear scientists and military officials. Iran has since retaliated, while its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed not to surrender, warning that any US involvement would cause 'irreparable damage'.
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MAGA camp divided on war stance
The Israel-Iran conflict has sparked an internal split among Trump's MAGA supporters. While figures like Carlson, Steve Bannon and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene oppose US involvement, others such as Fox News' Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz have voiced support for Israel's actions.
Trump's own stance appears mixed. While he has demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender,' he told reporters Wednesday, 'Maybe we won't have to fight.
I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do.'
Military options on the table
Trump met his national security team in the White House Situation Room to discuss further steps. The US has reportedly considered supplying Israel with bunker-busting bombs to target Iran's underground nuclear facility at Fordow. Meanwhile, the State Department has begun evacuating nonessential staff from the embassy in Jerusalem and is offering exit options for American citizens in Israel.
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