Fact Check: Trump Faces Backlash Over Endless Wars
What We Know
Former President Donald Trump has a long history of criticizing U.S. military involvement in what he terms "endless wars." Throughout his political career, he has expressed a desire to withdraw American forces from prolonged conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. For instance, during his 2019 State of the Union address, he stated, “Great nations do not fight endless wars” (AP News). In his 2024 campaign, Trump reiterated this stance, claiming he was the only president in generations who did not start a war and promised to end "foolish, stupid days of never-ending wars" (AP News).
However, recent actions have drawn criticism and accusations of hypocrisy. In June 2025, Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a move that some critics argue contradicts his anti-war rhetoric. This decision sparked backlash not only from Democrats but also from within his own party, with some Republicans expressing concern that such actions could lead to further military entanglements (Politico).
Analysis
The claim that Trump faces backlash over "endless wars" is supported by his recent military actions that contradict his previous anti-interventionist rhetoric. Critics, including members of his own MAGA coalition, have voiced concerns that the airstrikes on Iran could escalate into a broader conflict, which runs counter to his promise to end endless wars (Politico).
While Trump's supporters have defended the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, they also highlight a division within the Republican Party regarding military intervention. Some Republicans have framed Trump's actions as a limited response rather than a step towards a larger war, suggesting that he aims to maintain his image as a peacemaker (Politico).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. AP News and Politico are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the framing of Trump's actions can vary significantly between sources, with some emphasizing his anti-war stance while others focus on the implications of his military decisions (AP News, Politico).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump faces backlash over endless wars is Partially True. While he has consistently criticized prolonged military engagements and positioned himself as a peacemaker, his recent military actions in Iran have sparked significant criticism and concern about a potential escalation into further conflict. This contradiction between his rhetoric and actions has led to backlash from both political opponents and some within his own party, highlighting the complexities of his foreign policy stance.
