Kilmeade says Trump told him Iran war 'not that popular'
Administration News — 2026-07-29 11:27:00 — thehill.com
Trump Reportedly Downplays U.S.-Israeli Conflict in Iran as “Not That Popular”
In a recent conversation recounted by Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, President Trump reportedly described the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran as “not that popular.” Kilmeade shared this account during an appearance on fellow Fox News host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery’s podcast, “Kennedy Saves the World,” where he discussed speaking with Trump on the phone during the World Cup and their conversation about the Iran war.
Trump’s Dismissive Stance
According to Kilmeade, Trump conveyed a dismissive attitude toward the ongoing conflict, suggesting that it lacks widespread support or interest. The phrase “not that popular” reflects Trump’s tendency to frame complex foreign policy issues in terms of public opinion, rather than strategic or humanitarian considerations.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Characterization
While Trump’s remark was relayed secondhand by Kilmeade, it highlights a pattern in which Trump has downplayed the significance of international conflicts or minimized their impact based on perceived popularity. This approach has drawn criticism in the past for oversimplifying matters of national security and foreign relations.
Conclusion
President Trump’s reported comment that the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran is “not that popular” underscores his characteristic focus on public perception over policy substance. As relayed by Brian Kilmeade, this stance raises questions about the seriousness with which Trump approaches critical international issues, and continues a broader pattern of minimizing or dismissing complex events based on their popularity rather than their importance.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5996977-kilmeade-trump-iran-war-popularity/