Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson criticized President Donald Trump for his Easter Sunday post on Truth Social, which threatened Iranian infrastructure while referencing religion.
Carlson argued that the message “is only acceptable if you seek a religious war,” emphasizing that “no decent person mocks other people’s religions.”
He contended that mocking Islam undermines moral authority and the ethical standards expected of a U.S. president, saying, “To mock other people’s faith is to mock the idea of faith itself.”
Trump’s post included aggressive language and a profane ultimatum.“Open the F*ckin’ Strait, you crazy b*stards, or you’ll be living in Hell—JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah,” he wrote.
He also threatened, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran.”
While some commentators drew parallels between the “Praise be to Allah” line and biblical narratives, Carlson rejected such interpretations, insisting that faith should not be used as a political tool and warning that intertwining religion with threats “could provoke a religious war.”
The message coincided with Trump’s hard deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. Tuesday.
The strait’s closure had significant implications for global oil markets and international shipping.
Trump further suggested that failure to comply could result in the destruction of Iranian civilian infrastructure, leaving bridges and power plants incapacitated, and described the potential impact as leaving the country in the “Stone Age.”
Carlson condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure as morally unacceptable, stating, “That’s totally unacceptable…under moral law, God’s law. Killing noncombatants who did nothing wrong is immoral,” The Western Journal reported.
He also criticized Trump’s departure from measured leadership, noting that aggressive rhetoric and threats could inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
Within conservative circles, reactions to the post were mixed.
Carlson, once a staunch supporter of Trump, expressed frustration while reaffirming personal loyalty, saying, “I’ll always love him no matter what he says about me,” according to Newsweek.
Meanwhile, Trump reposted an article by British commentator Douglas Murray criticizing Carlson, highlighting a rift among right-leaning figures, Politico noted.
Iranian officials condemned the Easter post.
Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf called the threats “reckless,” while Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes under international law, the Daily Mail reported.
Diplomatic efforts continued, involving Iran, Oman, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Russia, to ensure the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the deadline nears, global attention remains focused on the strait and the escalating rhetoric.
Carlson’s critique underscores the risks of merging religious references with military threats, while Iran maintains that such actions are illegal and dangerous.
Trump’s Easter message highlights escalating tensions in the region, showcasing a firm stance that contrasts with the cautious, often timid calls for diplomacy from international observers.
By directly addressing Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the post signals that the U.S. will not tolerate threats to global trade routes.
WATCH:
