Fact Check: Trump calls for regime change in Iran to 'make it great again'

Fact Check: "Trump calls for regime change in Iran to 'make it great again'"

What We Know

The claim that Donald Trump called for regime change in Iran is based on his recent comments amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. On June 17, 2025, Trump stated he was seeking "something better than a ceasefire" and urged for Iran's "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" during a press interaction aboard Air Force One (AP News). He indicated that the U.S. knows the location of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and suggested that while they are not currently planning to eliminate him, they want to prevent missile attacks on civilians and American soldiers. This rhetoric has been interpreted by some as a call for regime change, particularly given the historical context of U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.

Additionally, Trump's past campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," has been widely associated with his political identity. However, there is no direct evidence that he explicitly used the phrase "make it great again" in the context of Iran during his recent statements. Instead, his comments focused on a strong military and diplomatic stance against Iran, which some analysts interpret as a potential push for regime change (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The assertion that Trump called for regime change in Iran is partially true. While he did express a desire for Iran to surrender unconditionally, which could imply a shift in power dynamics, he did not explicitly use the phrase "make it great again" in relation to Iran. This phrase is more commonly associated with his domestic agenda and campaign rhetoric rather than foreign policy.

The source of the claim, a report from AP News, is generally considered reliable for current events and political reporting. However, the interpretation of Trump's statements as a call for regime change relies heavily on contextual analysis rather than direct quotes. Furthermore, Trump's history of controversial statements and actions regarding Iran adds complexity to the interpretation of his recent comments (AP News, Wikipedia).

Critically, while some may view Trump's comments as a call for regime change, others argue that his statements are more about asserting U.S. power and deterrence rather than a clear policy directive aimed at overthrowing the Iranian government. Thus, the reliability of the interpretation hinges on the perspective of the analyst or commentator.

Conclusion

The verdict is Partially True. While Trump did make statements that could be interpreted as advocating for a significant shift in Iran's leadership dynamics, he did not explicitly call for regime change using the phrase "make it great again." His comments reflect a broader aggressive stance towards Iran but lack the clarity that would definitively categorize them as a call for regime change.

Fact Check: Trump calls for regime change in Iran to 'make it great again'