Conservative media figures and allies of former President Donald Trump are raising concerns about alleged efforts by “Mossad agents” and pro-war factions to undermine potential negotiations with Iran. This unprecedented criticism within Republican circles highlights a growing divide between traditional GOP hawks and Trump’s “America First” isolationist supporters.
The controversy intensified following the recent dismissal of Dan Caldwell, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While official reports cited leaked classified information as the reason for his removal, prominent conservative host Tucker Carlson offered a different narrative. During his show, Carlson suggested Caldwell’s departure was linked to his opposition to military action against Iran.
Former Fox News anchor Clayton Morris added fuel to the fire on his podcast “Redacted,” claiming that former Israeli intelligence operatives were actively working to discredit Secretary Hegseth and the Pentagon’s anti-war faction. The allegations, though
unsubstantiated, reflect increasing tensions within Trump’s
administration between conventional Republican foreign policy advocates and isolationist voices.
The administration’s internal divide pits traditional Republicans like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz against “America First” proponents such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
The controversy has extended to personnel appointments, with pro-Trump media personalities criticizing Merav Ceren’s nomination to lead Iran and Israel affairs at the National Security Council. Ceren’s background in the Israeli Defense Ministry and Israeli citizenship has drawn particular scrutiny from America First advocates.
This shift in Republican discourse comes amid changing public attitudes toward Israel. Recent Pew polling indicates growing skepticism among Americans, with unfavorable views of Israel rising from 42% in March 2022 to 53% in April 2025. This trend is
particularly pronounced among younger Republicans under 50, who comprise a significant portion of the audience for shows like Carlson’s and Morris’s.
The administration faces challenges in balancing Trump’s tough foreign policy stance with his commitment to avoiding new Middle East conflicts. This dichotomy was evident in recent statements by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who initially suggested accepting limited Iranian uranium enrichment before reversing course after criticism from pro-Israel voices.
Secretary Rubio has proposed a middle-ground approach, suggesting Iran could maintain a civilian nuclear program while importing enriched uranium rather than producing it domestically. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with American and Iranian technical teams meeting in Oman for their third round of discussions.
Trump himself has expressed optimism about the negotiations, telling reporters that talks are proceeding well and that an agreement is likely without resorting to military action. “We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place,” the president stated.
The current situation represents a significant departure from traditional Republican foreign policy positions, particularly regarding Israel and Middle East intervention. The vocal criticism of pro-Israel influences by Trump-aligned media figures signals a potential realignment of conservative foreign policy perspectives, especially among younger Republicans who increasingly question conventional hawkish approaches to international relations.
These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and complex diplomatic negotiations, highlighting the challenges of maintaining traditional alliances while pursuing a more isolationist foreign policy agenda.