President Donald Trump seems to be increasingly aligning himself with neoconservatives, a departure from his early campaign stance in June 2015 when he announced his presidential run at Trump Tower. Back then, he advocated for concluding foreign wars and adopting an “America first” policy focused on domestic issues over foreign aid. However, since the onset of the Iran war on February 28, he has found common ground with establishment Republicans like South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell.
Trump is backing Ed Galine, a retired Navy SEAL, in opposition to Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who has openly criticized the Iran war and foreign aid. As of Monday, Galine was polling closely with Massie, and pro-Israel groups, particularly the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC), have invested over $9 million to support Galine’s campaign.
Historically, Trump was against the 2003 Iraq war and spoke against the prolonged conflicts in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East. His platforms during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections emphasized American interests and steering clear of nation-building missions, although he has consistently regarded Israel as a vital ally against Middle Eastern adversaries, including Iran.
Following Iran’s refusal to stop its uranium enrichment, Trump decided to target the country’s nuclear facilities in June 2025, which coincided with a significant increase in Iran’s weapons-grade uranium stockpile. Reports indicated that Israeli officials urged Trump during a meeting on February 11 to launch a strike against Iran, claiming it could weaken the regime and facilitate a change in leadership.
The neoconservative faction within the Republican Party has broadly supported Trump’s military actions against Iran, with figures like McConnell praising the onset of “Operation Epic Fury.” In his statements, McConnell has reiterated the importance of continuing military efforts in Iran, framing it as a necessary course of action. Other Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Graham, have also defended Trump’s strategy.
McConnell has been vocal about prioritizing countering Russian aggression in Ukraine, arguing that supporting Ukraine is essential for U.S. national security. Recently, Trump pledged to veto any funding from AIPAC and supported Graham, a staunch advocate for foreign aid, against Mark Lynch, who is critical of it.
Graham has criticized Massie for supposedly collaborating with Democrats to obstruct Trump’s policies, suggesting such actions could jeopardize Massie’s political future as the midterms approach. Trump himself has displayed frustration towards Republican lawmakers, including Massie, especially given Massie’s claims that Israel pressured him into opposing U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Trump maintains that the military engagement with Iran is a preventive measure against nuclear proliferation, though some intelligence officials dispute the claim that Iran was close to acquiring nuclear arms. Meanwhile, pro-Israel groups and AIPAC’s super PAC have allocated millions to support Galine in defeating Massie, making this House primary remarkably expensive, reportedly reaching $32 million.
Massie has garnered support from several Republican figures, including Reps. Lauren Boebert and Jim Jordan, and Trump has hinted at backing a primary challenger against Boebert due to her endorsement of Massie. Additionally, activists have actively funded Massie’s campaign, emphasizing his stances on issues like the Iran conflict and other controversial votes. The White House has not provided any comment regarding these developments.
