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.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a familiar thorn in the side of House GOP leadership, amplified that message on social media.
Frequently, those Republicans argue that it shouldn’t be up to the U.S. to engage militarily abroad without significant help from allies. Trump, who is leading the race for the Republican presidential nomination, himself cast doubt on whether NATO would be there to help the U.S. in the event of conflict during a rally on Saturday.
“I don’t believe they’d be there,” Trump said of NATO.
But Graham and Cornyn are not alone in wishing for a swift U.S. response against Iran-backed proxies in light of the devastating attack in Jordan, which injured dozens in addition to the three deaths.
“The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran’s terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in a statement. “Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward unworthy of being commander-in-chief.”
President Joe Biden vowed “
we shall respond” during a Sunday event in South Carolina, as other Democrats have also called for the U.S. to address the deadly attack.
“We must hold those responsible accountable for this unjustifiable attack, and take further steps to protect our personnel in the region,” said Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the vice chair of the House Intelligence Committee, adding he expected to receive more information on the state of play this week.