As the war in Iran continues, Republicans are splitting into two camps: those who unwaveringly support the military operations led by Donald Trump on one side, and those who regret a conflict that they believe does not benefit American interests on the other.
The war against Iran continues to divide opinion in the United States, even within the ranks of the conservative camp, which is typically most in favor of conflict. The CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), an annual must-attend event for the American right, is taking place in Dallas, Texas until Saturday, March 28th. While opponents of the conflict remain in the minority, their voices are increasingly being heard.
At the CPAC podium, a debate about Iran is ongoing where all four speakers ardently support the war. Dozens of Iranian opponents rise among the audience, supporting the U.S. action in Iran.
American actor and pro-Trump advocate Dean Cain is the star of the day. The former Superman actor assures that the operation in Iran is a total success. “If it were an American football game, the U.S. would win 98-0! Yet people say ‘it divides, it creates fractures’ – that’s nonsense. I don’t believe a word of it, I talk to many people. There is no ‘endless war,’ none of that, there are just people who don’t like President Trump and oppose everything he does,” the Trump supporter emphasizes.
However, in the hallways of CPAC, some activists reject this war. Like John, 35 years old, who wears an ICE jacket, the controversial American immigration police. His priorities are different from those displayed by Donald Trump abroad because there are “too many problems today in America to fight in a distant war that doesn’t really benefit us.”
“It costs us a billion dollars a day, we have lost 13 soldiers. These foreign entanglements do not benefit our country.”
John, “America First” activist– franceinfo
The thirty-something no longer considers himself MAGA now. There is a kind of rift between MAGA and America First. “I thank Trump for the good things he has done, but he has let himself get too involved in adventures abroad.” Since the Israeli-American strikes in Iran on February 28 and the continuation of the conflict, the idea of an “America First” doctrine prioritizing American interests seems to fade in favor of Israeli interests.
Indeed, many conservatives reproach the Trump administration for blindly following its ally in the Middle East. Brandon regrets that “the country is too close to Israel. Israel has been saying for 30 years that Iran is on the verge of a nuclear bomb and it must be stopped. But there was no support for that until 5-6 years ago.” The young Virginia activist believes that “Israel must be protected but also controlled. This country has become too powerful. The war in Iran serves American interests but especially the interests of Israel.”
As the conflict drags on, this war undeniably creates divisions within the conservative camp.
