The White House on Sunday spotlighted praise it reportedly received from media personality Dave Portnoy following the sweeping U.S. strikes on Iran carried out early Saturday morning.
U.S. forces launched a comprehensive joint bombing campaign alongside Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as well as dozens of other members of the Iranian leadership. Shortly after news of the strikes broke, President Donald Trump declared that the people of Iran had been freed and called for regime change.
By Sunday afternoon, the White House released a press statement compiling reactions from a range of figures who had voiced support for the operation. According to the release, those backing the action included top lawmakers, members of the armed forces, and various “experts, commentators, and others.”
Among the latter group was Portnoy, whose reaction was prominently featured. In a post shared hours after the strikes, Portnoy dismissed critics who questioned the president’s decision-making.
“I always laugh at yo-yo’s who don’t have the 1st clue what information the President had that forced this decision,” Portnoy wrote. He noted that even politicians who oppose Trump but were briefed on the situation appeared to agree with the operation. “I guess lotta podcasters know better. Gotta keep the lights on somehow. Borderline traitors if you ask me.”
Portnoy went on to describe Iran as “a terror nation with a long history of some of the worst human rights atrocities in the world,” adding that “nobody disputes that fact.” He asserted that Iran hates Americans, Israel, Jews, and the West, and said the regime “would kill us all if given the chance.” He also accused Iran of having “just murdered tens of thousands of their own people.”
He further argued that “the rest of the Middle East is on our side” and claimed that “the Iranian people are on our side,” concluding that supporting American troops and the country in this moment “isn’t that complicated.” Portnoy ended his message with, “We are on the right side here. God Bless America.”
The White House’s decision to highlight Portnoy’s remarks came amid signs of division within parts of the president’s political base over the decision to strike Iran. While many Republicans and supporters rallied behind the administration, others expressed skepticism or outright opposition.
Public disagreements played out on social media, including an exchange between conservative commentator Matt Walsh and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X. In addition, figures such as Tucker Carlson, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and The Federalist’s Sean Davis were among those who criticized the strikes.
The contrasting reactions underscore the broader debate unfolding within conservative circles over U.S. involvement in the conflict. Even as the White House showcased voices like Portnoy’s in support of the operation, some high-profile allies questioned the move.
Still, the administration’s message on Sunday was clear: it stands by the action taken against Iran and is pointing to a range of supportive voices — from elected officials to media personalities — as validation of the decision.
[READ MORE: Fourth U.S. Service Member Dies From Wounds Sustained in Iran Strikes, CENTCOM Confirms]
