The MAGA movement prides itself on unity — on rallying behind a singular vision of “America First.”

But over the past week, that unity has been upset by a rare, public split between President Donald Trump and some of his most influential supporters, most notably Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon, over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

On a recent episode of Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Carlson did not mince words: “I am genuinely worried that my country will be further diminished by this,” he says. “I fear we are witnessing the demise of the American empire.”

Carlson’s message: the U.S. must avoid entanglement in another war in the Middle East.

He echoes concerns familiar from the Iraq War era, warning that intervention would betray the MAGA movement’s core promise to end “forever wars.” 

“All of that is now overlooked because a leader from a country lacking majority support wants the U.S. to partake in a specific course of action, and I simply disagree,” Carlson says, referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump’s response was swift and sharp. “I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying,” he told reporters at the G7 summit in Canada. “Let him establish a television network and express his views so that people can hear him.”

The president later vented on social media, doubling down on his own position:

“Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”

Trump’s frustration is palpable — as is his determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms.

Even if it means edging toward U.S. military involvement?

Your Rundown for Wednesday, June 18, 2025...

A Movement Divided: Israel-Iran

The growing divide within MAGA is impossible to ignore. On one side are voices like Carlson, Bannon and lawmakers including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who have urged Trump to stay out of the conflict.

“Anyone slobbering for the U.S. to become fully involved in the Israel/Iran war is not America First/MAGA,” Greene posted on social media.

On the other side, some of Trump’s closest allies in Congress and the media argue that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are an existential threat that must be met with strength.

This debate is not just about foreign policy — it’s about the soul of the MAGA movement.

For years, Trump’s supporters have been united by a shared skepticism of endless military engagements abroad. But now, the prospect of U.S. intervention in the Middle East is testing that consensus.

“The recurring theme throughout Fox’s history” — MAGA’s favorite media mouthpiece — “is the endorsement of wars that do not benefit the United States,” Carlson argues.

Meanwhile, Trump insists that “America First” means standing firm against nuclear proliferation, even if it means flexing American military muscle.

The coming days will be a litmus test for MAGA’s antiwar credentials.

In Congress, Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced a resolution to bar Trump from entering into war with Iran without explicit congressional authorization.

The measure is co-sponsored by Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna (CA), who sees it as a chance for both parties to prove their commitment to ending “forever wars.”

“It’s a test of whether the MAGA movement is really antiwar,” Khanna says.

Will MAGA lawmakers stand with Trump or with the movement’s antiwar instincts?

Trump’s recent tweets and public statements suggest he is not backing down…

“AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

The question for every Trump supporter is simple: Where do you stand? Are you with Trump, no matter the policy, or do you believe “America First” means keeping our military out of foreign conflicts?

The answer may determine the future of the movement — and the direction of American foreign policy.

One last thought…

Ultimately, it’s important to remember an inescapable fact: If the United States is drawn into another war in the Middle East, it won’t be Barron Trump who’s sent to the front lines.

The sons and daughters of ordinary Americans, the backbone of this country, will be the ones called to serve, sacrifice and bear the burden of war.

Market Rundown for Wednesday, June 18, 2025

S&P 500 futures are up 0.15% to 6,045.

Oil is up 0.45% to $75.18 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold’s down 0.15% to $3,402 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is down 0.15% to $104,880.