Trump reverses course on military power for regime change

​The U.S. attacks on Iran this weekend have made clear that the commander in chief is no longer the presidential candidate who consistently criticized the use of American military force to oust threatening foreign regimes.

Nearly two years ago, candidate Donald Trump vowed on social media that he wouldn’t use American power for such operations.

“We believe that the job of the United States military is not to wage endless regime change wars around the globe — the job of the United States military is to defend America from attack and invasion here at home,” he said on Truth Social on May 25, 2024.

The president shifted his policy dramatically after the reported deaths of tens of thousands of Iranians last month for protesting the Islamic regime in Tehran.

The policy change also follows slow-moving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear ambitions that were revived after bombing strikes in June.

During his 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump positioned himself as an anti-interventionist who would avoid the “failed policy of nation-building.” The first indication that he had altered his long-held opposition to regime change appeared on June 22, the day U.S. bombers and ships blasted nuclear sites in Iran.

“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime Change??? MIGA!!!” Mr. Trump stated on Truth Social.

With the launch of major military operations Saturday, Mr. Trump declared that the time had come for Iran’s troops and police to lay down their arms and for the Iranian people to seize power in Tehran.

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The president appealed in a video message to the forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — Islamic shock troops — plus regular soldiers and police to “lay down your weapons.” In exchange, they would be granted “complete immunity.”

The alternative is to “face certain death,” he said.

“Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” Mr. Trump said.

The president urged Iranians to remain sheltered to avoid bombs and missiles.

“When we are finished, take over your government,” he said. “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”

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Mr. Trump said Iranians had sought American support against the regime for years. Previous presidents were unwilling to do what Mr. Trump is doing in launching the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East in more than 20 years.

“Now, you have a president who is giving you what you want,” he said. “So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”

A significant element of Mr. Trump’s MAGA movement remains isolationist and against the Iran operations.

Right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec said the conflict could hinder Republican prospects for holding a majority in Congress after the midterm elections.

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“Charlie Kirk told us all that the younger generation of Americans are far more interested in domestic policy than pursuing international conflicts and we can’t forget that in a midterm year,” Mr. Posobiec stated on X, referring to the slain conservative activist.

Yet Laura Loomer, a conservative and strong backer of the president, supports the Iran strikes.

“Iran has been attacking the US for over 47 years. And now, the 47th President of the United States is ending their reign of terror,” she posted on X.

During his State of the Union speech to Congress last week, Mr. Trump signaled his mounting opposition to the regime in Tehran.

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“As president, I will make peace wherever I can, but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must,” he said, noting the June bombing raid against Iranian nuclear sites.

Also Tuesday night, Mr. Trump said Iran’s effort to build nuclear arms was continuing and that the regime “and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate.”

He noted that Iran and its supporters have killed and maimed thousands of American military service members and “even millions of people.”

Among its most recent horrendous crimes, Mr. Trump said, were the fatal shootings and hangings of as many as 32,000 unarmed protesters.

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On the U.S.-Iran talks in recent weeks, Mr. Trump said the leaders in Tehran indicated they would like to make a deal, but “we haven’t heard those secret words, ‘We will never have a nuclear weapon.’”

He added, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain: I will never allow the world’s No. 1 sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen.”

• Bill Gertz can be reached at bgertz@washingtontimes.com.