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HR's avatar

Julie, you are amazing, but the fissure, to the extent it exists, is small and will wither away. The MTG, Tucker, and other lesser names hyperventilating about WWIII or Endless Wars or Boots on the Ground, will have to find their way back to the fold when none of those things happen. The Taco meme failed because it never reflected reality. The Tucker Wing of America First will find out as well. I am as MAGA/America First as they come and can see the difference between trying to convert goat herders and opium growers in Afghanistan to democracy and treating women with dignity and eliminating the nuclear capability of the Iranian Death to America Regime. President Trump will roll on, the Senate will pass something, and we will move forward. President Trump, if necessary, will find a way (with Stephen Miller leading the way) around the Robert's federal courts.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

I am not so sure this will be fixed anytime soon. I have very strong reservations about getting directly involved in this conflict. And there is a very good argument that US involvement is inimical to the America First philosophy. I hope the president reconsiders some of his hyperbole--shutting down criticism from loyal friends and calling them names does nothing to convince me this is being well thought out.

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Pnoldguy's avatar

I hope you are correct in your prediction, but I see downright hostility to the agenda from leaders of the house and senate. I believe they fear the end of the grift making them filthy rich so much that they will burn down the country to preserve it.

If they can stall for another year and work to elect democrats instead of republicans, they will have the cover they need for doing ...... nothing.

The new Republican platform is: "Do nothing. Accept no blame. Business as usual."

Too big to fail describes our government perfectly.

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HR's avatar

Agreed, I have sadly not been amazed by the reluctance of the House and Senate Republicans to seize the moment to bring about real conservative reform. As you say, many of them are in on it.

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Tom Wigand's avatar

FWIW, for over a decade now I've referred to such "Republicans" as:

VICHY REPUBLICANS

In other words, of the same ilk as those who, in WWII France, collaborated with the National Socialist (NAZI) occupiers of their country. In my opinion, Collaboration = Treason.

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alan carpenter's avatar

Hellos 👋 MISS JULIE KELLY 🇺🇲 😎

I heard all that you wrote and did see👀 MTG ...Steve Bannon 🇺🇲 and Tucker Carlson...and even Matt GAETZ said a thing or two....

I STAND WITH MR PRESIDENT TRUMP 🇺🇲 .THAT MAN KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING..BESIDES HE MR PRESIDENT TRUMP 🇺🇲was the one who Decided to run for president and he's in office not them 🙄

This is truly where he sees who's with him....

Thank you MISS JULIE KELLY 🇺🇲 this is really good stuff you wrote and I really appreciate it 😊 🇺🇲🗽🦅✝️🇺🇸✝️❤️🤍💙🔥🌹

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Turfseer's avatar

Trump’s challenge is threading the needle between non-intervention and deterrence—without abandoning the America First core. But let’s not forget: he’s long maintained that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons—a position that’s always carried the shadow of military action. By dismissing Tucker as “kooky,” Trump isn’t just brushing off a media ally; he’s signaling a break with a growing isolationist current in MAGA. It’s not a full-blown rupture, but it’s fracturing some in the base—especially those wary of foreign entanglements dressed up as national security.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

I understand his commitment to no nukes. But this is on Bibi's timeline, not ours. That's my biggest objection. If negotiations were advancing or stalled with US, then Trump could have planned to take action and explain why. Seemingly following Israel into this quagmire is worthy of criticism IMO

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Turfseer's avatar

Absolutely, Julie—and I hear you on the risk of appearing to follow Bibi’s lead. But can we really afford to take that chance? If the Ayatollah’s sitting on some kind of Hail Mary—whether it’s a hidden enrichment site, a proxy-triggered escalation, or worse—we could be caught flat-footed. That’s the tightrope Trump’s trying to walk: avoiding another forever war, but not being the guy who let Iran go nuclear. In that light, even the appearance of alignment with Israel might be less about deference and more about deterrence.

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Michelle Dostie's avatar

Tucker and Bannon made interesting points last night that can tilt opinions towards considering the downside of current decisions. Likewise, Trump built a cabinet with plenty willing and able to confront the Commander in Chief. I expect wisdom to prevail beginning with the President’s words and deeds. There is a downside to every action of a President. Ultimately I do think his first task is to clear out the illegal aliens attacking us in our homeland, ASAP. Let the Democrats riot, and the high ground will begin to restore the MAGA movement. If the Us is attacked by Iran, we have a war to fight.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

Well said, Michelle!

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Danimal28's avatar

Beware that the Blob only lives for one thing: to fracture populism - you. At any cost. Going on decades.

Stand together as Trump and his team are the only credible forces in the US government. The color revolution ops are happening on several levels. Look at what they(CIA) did to Tulsi the past week.

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Stephanie Ross's avatar

Terrific recap of the last year and current events. All I say is FH on’t worry-God has got it

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Brian Ahier's avatar

Great analysis as always Julie ❤️ We are certainly in the midst of some strange turnings. I think that the President's position on deportation carve-outs is based on common sense and humanitarian. As far as Israel/Iran it would be great if we could let them just duke it out (Israel will win eventually), but he may need to use our B2 bombers to drop the bunker busters. No way will Trump get us in another forever war, and those who are screaming about this need to take a step back and trust the President.

The only thing I would add is that the media putting Elon in the bullseye had a lot do with him taking away their favorite toy (Twitter) and exposing their censorship and hypocrisy. They hated him for that, because only the credentialed class has the right to speak on certain issues don't ya know. If President Trump can make the press great again that would be quite an accomplishment!

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Julie Kelly's avatar

Thank you, Brian. And yes I failed to mention the main reason the Dems and media targeted Musk--for freeing Twitter (X) and exposing the Twitter files. Well said!

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Judy Radigan's avatar

I am very disappointed in those who are opposing Trump’s support of Israel. Iran is an evil death cult that has promised “Death to America/Israel”. They hv refused to destroy their nuclear proliferation. They only understand strength. I do not want war but sometimes the only way to ensure peace is to destroy the enemy. I do not think we should try regime change , that is the people of Iran’s job. We must support them as much as possible. No boots on the ground. I trust President Trump to make the right decision as to the level of involvement. The critics have offered no other solution that is workable. The name calling is unfortunate.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

From my standpoint, there is a difference between supporting Israel (which I and other critics do) and urging caution on US involvement at this point. I trust the president but things get out of hand quickly as history shows. I am a burned former neocon--as are many critics of involvement now--so I am very skeptical.

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Paulette Altmaier's avatar

Israel started the war. Not our problem. In fact, we should be stopping all arms and aid to Israel for their genocidal warmongering.

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War Eagle's avatar

I think the fissure is also affecting the FBI, Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch is asking why hasn’t Comey been arrested and if Kash Patel and Dan Bongino have become deep state. Not a single arrest of all those who Elon exposed as committing fraud, no Epstein arrest, much less documents made public. I can fully understand why people are becoming impatient i do understand investigations for an iron clad conviction take time, but it is time for action and less talk.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

I would love to see Comey arrested--that said, would be tough to do on this issue.

Dirty DOJ and FBI officials/agents/prosecutors have been purged. Feds did arrest a federal judge, a House Democrat, and almost arrested a Democratic senator. I don't think they are playing around with lawless Democrats. My guess is they're gearing up for some big prosecutions--Leticia James, Fani Willis, and maybe Chris Wray based on this week's disclosures.

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War Eagle's avatar

🙏🙏🙏🙏

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Pat Smith's avatar

I don't understand the leap the Carlson's et al are taking here. Despite the wishes of Victoria Nuland and Lindsey Graham, Trump is not talking about regime change or nation building with 20,000 troops complete with green zones and a billion dollar embassy reconstruction accompanied by pride flags and thousands of copies of "Three Cups of Tea." If Trump does anything, it will be a one time bombing run over the Fordow nuke site and the destruction of said facility. Going back to the escalator 10 years ago, Trump has consistently said, "Iran can't have a nuke," full stop. Now, thanks to Iranian overreach and Israeli retaliation, he is in position to fulfill that promise, and it does not require the presence of US troops inside Iran.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

When I see top GOP senators and Congressmen talk about regime change, I will not rule it out. This conflict can easily escalate and get out of hand, as history demonstrates. Yes, rid Iran of nuke capabilities but on OUR timetable and at OUR choosing, not Israel's.

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Pat Smith's avatar

Luckily, nobody listens to Lindsey Graham. He is the Corinthians resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. He can go on Sean Hannity every night, but no one on the decision making side will listen to him

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Doohmax's avatar

This is the moment to kill the rattlesnake that slithers around your yard. You have had numerous close calls. Do you fix the problem or do you continue to live in fear of every step in the dark?

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Julie Kelly's avatar

If only it were that easy. I understand the comparison but my fear is this will divert much needed resources and attention away from the issues on which he was elected.

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Doohmax's avatar

I understand. But. Do we continue to live under this Damocles sword…do we depend on the Islamists to not make good on their threats or do we end this threat now when we have the chance?

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Roy V's avatar

Always going to be different opinions, but Pres. Trumps blunt responses are always blown out of proportion. This is a historic opportunity to take out Iran, the biggest state sponsor of world-wide, anti-human activity in history, and prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon. I say we give the president a chance to fix the Iran problem, but retreating from a pledge to deport ALL illegal aliens would be unforgiveable. Every person entering the country during the last administration should leave, period. Tucker, Greene, and Bannon, all of whom I greatly respect, have no idea what they would do if Iran becomes a nuclear state but would risk that anyway.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

As I said above, I agree with no nukes for Iran. But even Bibi gave conflicting evidence on this--and he has no right to say, like Zelensky, we will be next if we don't get involved on his timetable. Trump should lead this, not Bibi or anyone else. That is perhaps what I find most objectionable and subject to criticism and analysis.

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sooz's avatar
2dEdited

Trump should be reiterating the idea of “self-deportation.” Maybe he should even “sweeten the pot” with larger financial incentives and a quick path to re-entry within the LEGAL immigration system. Offer illegal immigrants free counsel (through the app?) on how to best self-deport. Have JD Vance make the appeals - he is far more persuasive than Trump. In fact, I can think of many voices in the administration and elsewhere who could do a much better job of persuading self-deportation.

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Colleen Cottingham's avatar

Finally someone said something.

Thank you Julie!! The fraction between the MAGA base.is obvious people. While I appreciate those mentioned, they are letting some of us Patriots down. Well, me anyway. Who do I trust for real facts ? What's going on guys?

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Julie Kelly's avatar

This sort of fraction is not uncommon within a party following a presidential victory. I hope I made that point clear so it doesn't' appear this current discord is out of the ordinary. That said, depending on whether this escalates or subsides, the fissures could be permanent. And that would be a shame.

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Tom Wigand's avatar

Sage counsel, Ms. Kelly.

I would also offer to ALL of us to reflect upon the following premise: Many of us believe (or have come to believe) the God heard our prayers, and that President Trump - flawed human being that he is (as are all of us) - is an anointed tool of God.

If so, while criticism and holding accountable remain among our tasks, much more so is our continued prayer to God - INCLUDING that God still guide President Trump and give him discernment.

NOT among our tasks is to succumb to are predictable efforts by The Great Deceiver to divide, and ultimately to fracture MAGA, and America overall.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

I love debate--division is not good especially when our enemies take such pleasure of it.

This could pass quickly, as I said. But the warhawks in Congress are salivating over a major escalation here and that is unsettling. Hopefully Trump can navigate all sides and do what he does best--find peace and security for the American people.

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Rev. Karlan Fairchild, MDiv's avatar

I really appreciated your piece regarding the rapidly morphing America First Movement, Julie. Certainly, events have a way of muddling and, sometimes, cancelling the best laid plans of the Movement. But, remember, there were other aspects of President Trump's Movement which were equally important to the desire avoid foreign entanglements, such as sealing the border, deporting illegal aliens, reviving (perhaps even resuscitating) the American oil and gas industry, forcing long-overdue reciprocal tariffs, etc. But when the opportunity to prevent the Islamists' in Iran from actually succeeding in building nuclear weapons, weapons which could and probably would be used to evaporate Israel, and which might sent via nuclear-tipped Intercontinental Ballistic missiles (ICBM's) at the United States, sometimes the President is forced to make the terrible decision to do everything in his power to ensure those heathens do not succeed in their efforts to join the nations who possess nuclear weapons. My preference is that Israel is successful in destroying any possibility of the Islamists' doing what they have pledged for many years to do in their objective of destroying Israel. And if Israel and President Trump aren't able to complete that mission, and the Islamists' are fully armed with nukes, any of the above-mentioned aspects of the America First Movement will ring hollow. I'm hopeful that this fissure among his MAGA base is simply a "tempest in a teapot." I trusted President Trump when I voted for him. I see no reason to change my mind at this juncture.

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Julie Kelly's avatar

I am always grateful for your wise words, Karlan! Thank you!

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Rev. Karlan Fairchild, MDiv's avatar

To quote fans of the Great Rush Limbaugh, "ditto" to you, Julie.

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tjc's avatar

Julie, as always, you're the best! Appreciate your perspective and common sense!!

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Julie Kelly's avatar

Thanks so much!

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