Trump says Iran doesn’t go against his campaign pledge of no new wars : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-07 18:07:00 — www.npr.org
Trump Defends War with Iran, Repeats Unfounded Election Claims in NBC Interview
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — In a recent NBC interview, President Donald Trump dismissed criticism that his decision to launch military action against Iran contradicts his “No new wars” campaign pledge. During the conversation, which aired on “Meet the Press,” Trump stated, “I didn’t guarantee no war. Why would I have built the strongest military in the world?”
Contradictory Views on War
Despite his prior emphasis on avoiding foreign conflicts, Trump asserted that the current conflict with Iran, which he described as not an “endless war,” began only three months ago. “I don’t like these endless wars,” he said, insisting his military actions were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, this assertion conflicted with his earlier claims that U.S. strikes had “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites.
Baseless Claims About California Elections
In the interview, Trump reiterated unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud in California’s primary election. He suggested that Democrats were “rigging the election,” despite a lack of evidence to support this assertion. Many experts regard changes in vote totals, particularly from late Democratic mail-in ballots, as a common occurrence rather than a sign of fraud.
When pressed for evidence by NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump became increasingly frustrated. “All I have to do is look,” he stated, before being challenged on his lack of proof. “But that’s not evidence,” Welker countered, highlighting the gap between Trump’s fiery accusations and demonstrable facts.
Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund
Trump also defended an abandoned $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” designed to assist in a lawsuit concerning the leak of his tax returns. While he called the fund “a great idea,” concerns had been raised about its oversight and potential payouts to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
When asked if he thought those who attacked police officers on that day should receive compensation, Trump replied, “I wouldn’t be inclined to say so, but I have to see it.” This response seemed to reflect a nuanced position amidst his generally supportive rhetoric regarding the January 6 participants, many of whom received pardons during his presidency.
A Disrupted Interview
The interview was marked by interruptions due to heavy rain hitting the barn’s metal roof, which made it difficult at times to hear the conversation. As tensions escalated over his claims regarding the California election, Trump lashed out, branding the media as “crooked” and dismissing their credibility. Ultimately, he concluded the dialogue, stating, “Let’s call it quits,” before departing.
Conclusion
This recent NBC interview highlighted the complexities of Trump’s foreign policy claims and his continued insistence on unverified assertions regarding election integrity. His conflicting stances and heated exchanges underscore the ongoing challenges facing both his political campaign and public discourse in an increasingly polarized environment. As he aims for a return to the White House, the scrutiny of his statements and decisions remains sharper than ever.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/07/g-s1-126826/trump-iran-wars-campaign-message