‘F—ing lunatics’: Deadly Jordan attacks spur open GOP feud

Source: Politico | January 28, 2024 | Anthony Adragna

Tucker Carlson and other pro-isolationist voices have insulted or questioned lawmakers who have called for swift retaliation over the Iran-backed strikes.

Iran-backed attacks in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members are intensifying the growing GOP divide over national security, as senior Hill Republicans calling for immediate retaliation clash with Trump-style isolationists.

While former President Donald Trump himself gave a measured response to the attacks, influential conservative voice Tucker Carlson called two senators who pushed for a swift U.S. military response against Iran after the attack “ fucking lunatics” in a post on X.

Carlson trained his ire against Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who called for the U.S. to: “Hit Iran now. Hit them hard,” and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who posted “Target Tehran,” before clarifying that it was not a call to bomb Iranian civilians.

The response to the attacks in Jordan reflects the escalating feud between the GOP’s more traditional foreign policy hawks and its ascendant isolationist-leaning wing, even as both sides coalesce around Trump’s bid to return to the White House. And it comes as the latter group — urged on by Trump and wary of prolonged foreign entanglements — has grown more emboldened.

Many in that camp have fought for months against sending more cash to Ukraine in its war against Russia, with a foreign aid package still delayed as money has dried up. It’s unclear how many of them will fight against further involvement in Iran.

Trump slammed the attacks on his Truth Social platform and said it underscored President Joe Biden’s weakness as commander-in-chief but, notably, didn’t endorse any particular response.

“This terrible day is yet more proof that we need an immediate return to PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, so that there will be no more chaos, no more destruction, and no more loss of precious American lives,” the former president wrote.

Grassroots conservatives seem to have Carlson’s side in the emerging dispute, with conservative host Jesse Kelly posting: “Who don’t think is gonna fight this war for you? We all know it won’t be you getting your hands dirty” in response to Graham.

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