Trump ally slams 'lunatic' advisors telling president to negotiate with Iran as MAGA civil war spirals
Conservative radio host Mark Levin voiced his frustration after President Donald Trump appeared to step back from a decision to launch a military strike on Iran to make more room for diplomatic talks.
'Iran says no unconditional surrender. Again. And again. And again. They cheat and lie and kill. They're TERRORISTS,' we wrote on social media.
The president said via his press secretary Karoline Levitt Thursday he would make a decision to act within 'two weeks,' extending the timetable for military action in Iran, as supporters of further military action in Iran predicted immanent strikes from the United States.
Levin blamed the presidents envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Vice President JD Vance, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for advising the president against military strikes in Iran.
'They're a damnable cabal of lunatics, many of whom are antisemites, completely out of step with the overwhelming majority of Americans,' he wrote, describing them as 'fifth column isolationists.'
'We, the people, know Iran wants to nuke us and it's in our national security interest and our own survival to stop these bastards cold,' he continued', and added, 'Enough with the fake MAGA demagogues and grifters.'
Republican hawks centered on Witkoff's ongoing role in negotiations with Iran, blaming him for the president's decision to wait.
'Time to say it again — f**k Witkoff,' wrote Trump supporter Marina Medvin, one of many influential Republicans who voiced their frustration with Trump's inaction.
The attacks prompted Witkoff's supporters to rally to his defense.
'My friend Steve Witkoff is an America First patriot!!!!' Donald Trump Jr. wrote on social media, sharing another post from Trump political advisor Alex Bruesewitz.
'The attacks against Steve Witkoff are ridiculous. Steve is a patriot who gave up his incredible life in the private sector to serve the President and America — and he's doing a GREAT job,' Bruesewitz wrote.
'Steve Witkoff is a true patriot who I guarantee on any given day over the last seven months has done more for this country than you have in your entire life,' wrote former Pentagon official Dan Caldwell. 'Imagine having this much hatred for a man who gave up a comfortable life to work nonstop to end wars and free hostages.'
The president has not given up on diplomatic negotiations with Iran, as British Secretary David Lammy met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff at the White House.
Lammy plans to head to Geneva, Switzerland for further negotiations with European officials for further diplomatic talks with Iranian officials.
'A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,' he said in a statement.
Levin continues to press the president on his show and on Fox News to act to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities, describing the Iranians as terrorists who should not be trusted in ongoing negotiations.
The veteran conservative radio host has a long friendship with Trump, despite his decision to back Sen. Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican presidential primary
Levin met with Trump for dinner just days before the Israel strikes were launched last week, raising concerns from journalist Tucker Carlson that he was trying to convince the president to engage militarily with Iran.
Carlson and Trump's former political strategist Steve Bannon both urged the president away from getting the United States involved in the Iran/Israel conflict, triggering a messaging civil war between them and more hawkish Republicans.
Trump met for lunch with Bannon on Thursday and spoke with Carlson on the phone on Wednesday as White House advisors are working behind the scenes to diffuse the conflict.
Advisors are urging both sides to trust the president to do the right thing, pointing out that he was listening to his national security team before making a decision.
'TRUST IN TRUMP!' wrote White House communications advisor Steven Cheung on social media on Thursday. 'NO PANICANS!'
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