U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY) speaks during a healthcare workers rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) had a peculiar defense of President Donald Trump's war in Iran when confronted by reporters on the right-wing Newsmax network.
"What do you say to Americans who are sick and tired of this war?" asked one of the hosts of the "National Report" program. "They voted for President Trump because he promised to end wars, not start wars, and they're experiencing war fatigue."
Tenney replied, "Well, it's not been very long. We were in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 20 years."
This response prompted instant controversy from commenters on social media.
"This is the worst possible talking point for Trump’s war, and I have no idea why they all keep using it," wrote Ron Filipkowski of Meidas Touch. "Trump said when this started the whole thing would be wrapped up in 4-6 weeks with unconditional surrender and regime change to a pro-US government in Iran."
"Over 50,000 troops are deployed across the region," wrote Missouri congressional candidate and Army combat veteran Fred Wellman. "We are losing aircraft and firing missiles and drones while they tell us to stop complaining because it’s only been a three-month failure. Absolute monsters."
Meanwhile, combat veteran and YouTuber Daniel Davis raked Tenney over the coals.
"It must be George Orwell Day in the Iran War saga," he wrote. "We CHOSE this war, a conflict that was *not* forced on us, we were *not* facing an 'imminent threat,' and our national security was never at risk. More importantly, we HAD an agreement from Iran on a negotiated deal that would have been BETTER than Obama's JCPOA on 26 February that should have removed any reason to launch a war, and would have given us the very peace Rep. Tenney claims this war is trying to produce."
Ultimately, he said, the probable outcome of Trump's military campaign is "a stronger Iran, a weaker United States, and a harmed Israel. We don't need to lose like this for 20 years to recognize the futility and foolishness of our actions."