President Trump recently ignited a firestorm by publicly declaring the US is ‘locked and loaded’ and ready to ‘come to the rescue’ of Iranian protestors. His strong words, aimed at supporting those demonstrating against Iran’s worsening economy and plummeting currency, have sparked immediate and vocal criticism from within his own Republican party.
Representative Thomas Massie was quick to challenge this stance, emphasizing that any military action against Iran absolutely requires explicit congressional authorization – not just presidential decree. Massie argued that America has plenty of problems at home without “wasting military resources on another country’s internal affairs.” He suggested the true drivers behind such talk aren’t about defending freedom of speech, but rather deeper economic and geopolitical interests, citing “the dollar, oil, and Israel.”
Echoing these concerns, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene joined in, branding talk of foreign wars and interventions as a betrayal of what voters supported in 2024. Greene stated that people voted against “overseas spending” and for “stronger protections for civil liberties at home.” She even mentioned threats of a “tax revolt” from frustrated Trump supporters who feel their tax dollars are being wasted on foreign aid and military engagements, rather than being used for domestic priorities.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have strongly rejected Trump’s threats, accusing “external forces” of instigating violence among peaceful demonstrators. The protests themselves began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar due to severe economic hardship and have since spread, with some reports indicating violent clashes and deaths.
