A Republican lawmaker argued Friday that President Donald Trump was using an unconventional move — and playing mind games — with Iran's leader.
Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) told TMZ that when Trump refers to the ayatollah as "the gay ayatollah" it's on purpose.
"The president wants to put as much pressure on them as he can, so he's trying to keep them off balance," Hoeven said. "So he's doing a lot of things to keep the regime, which is an irrational, oppressive regime [that] oppresses their own people."
Trolling Iran has become part of Trump's perceived strategy, and how he wants to pressure its regime, Hoeven explained.
"I think he's messing with them in a way to keep them off balance and create division over there," he added.
Iran has reportedly taken similar measures against Trump. Reports indicate Tehran has recruited senior psychologists to tailor messages for what they described as Trump's "impaired mental state," specifically targeting the president.
Sen. John Hoeven says President Trump is trying to throw Iran's ayatollah off balance by making comments about his sexuality.
🎥: @hicharliecotton pic.twitter.com/RpQ2cVCURq
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 7, 2026
