Trending Now - Republican Leaders Criticize Trump Over Iran War Stance
WHO:
President Donald Trump
Newt Gingrich, Former House Speaker (R-Ga.)
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
Marjorie Taylor Greene, former Republican congresswoman
Pamela Brown, CNN anchor
Rep. Neal Dunn
Mike Johnson, House Speaker
Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
WHAT:
Gingrich warned Trump that Americans will not support his war against Iran “forever.”
Trump stated that the U.S. doesn’t “need anybody” to help its operation in Iran.
Trump claimed that “numerous countries” have agreed to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz but did not name them.
The U.S. is allowing Iranian tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to increase the global supply of oil.
Trump expressed uncertainty about the health status of Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Greene accused Trump of a "complete betrayal" of his MAGA voters regarding the war in Iran.
Greene stated that the war in Iran has caused gas prices in the U.S. to skyrocket.
Trump announced that Susie Wiles has early-stage breast cancer but will remain in her position.
WHERE:
Strait of Hormuz
Washington, D.C. (related to the tornado threat and government shutdowns)
Florida’s 2nd District (related to Rep. Neal Dunn)
WHEN:
March 16th, 2026 (date of the NOTUS newsletter)
The war with Iran has entered its third week as of March 2026.
Trump made statements during a press conference on March 16th, 2026.
WHY:
Gingrich identified challenges for Trump, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and stabilizing the global economy.
Greene criticized the war as a gamble that risks voter backlash in the midterms due to rising gas prices.
HOW:
Trump is conducting a joint military assault on Iran with Israel.
The U.S. is allowing Iranian tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a strategy to increase oil supply.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:26 UTC)
During a press conference on March 16, Trump stated that the U.S. doesn’t “need anybody” to help its military operation in Iran, while also claiming that “numerous countries” have agreed to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, although he did not name them. Newt Gingrich warned Trump that Americans will not support the war against Iran “forever,” and Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized him for a "complete betrayal" of his MAGA voters, pointing to skyrocketing gas prices as a consequence of the conflict. In other news, Trump announced that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has early-stage breast cancer but will continue in her role.