Proud Boys' Shift in Stance on U.S. Involvement in Iran Conflict

Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, has publicly expressed his support for the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign in Iran, a notable shift from previous statements made by the group. This change comes despite earlier assertions from the Proud Boys that any military action in Iran would lead to a loss of support for former President Donald Trump.

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In June 2022, an official Proud Boys account on Telegram warned against U.S. involvement in a potential war with Iran, urging Trump to prioritize domestic issues over foreign conflicts. The message emphasized that “America First does not mean war for Israel,” reflecting a sentiment among some members that military engagement would contradict their nationalist ideology. This stance was echoed in a post that criticized Trump’s military actions, stating, “No new wars. Bullshit.”

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Enrique Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 Capitol attack and later pardoned by Trump, has become a vocal supporter of the U.S.-Israel military actions. His recent posts on social media indicate a complex relationship with Trump’s foreign policy, as he simultaneously criticizes the notion of “no new wars” while endorsing military action against Iran. Donald Trump, who has historically aligned with the Proud Boys, has also faced scrutiny for his contradictory statements regarding military engagement.

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Tarrio’s support for the bombing campaign has not been universally embraced within the Proud Boys. Recent posts on their Telegram channel reflect dissent, with members expressing frustration over the idea of prioritizing Israel in U.S. foreign policy. Tarrio himself has stated, “That doesn’t mean I support Israel’s efforts to use us as a schoolhouse bully,” indicating a desire for a more America-centric approach to foreign affairs.

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Critics within the Proud Boys have voiced their disagreement with Tarrio’s stance, emphasizing that military action contradicts the group’s foundational principles of nationalism and prioritizing American interests. The internal conflict highlights a broader debate within far-right circles about the implications of U.S. foreign policy and its alignment with nationalist ideologies.

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While Tarrio and some Trump supporters advocate for military action against Iran, reports indicate that U.S. intelligence officials have privately expressed skepticism about the necessity of such actions, stating there is no evidence suggesting an imminent threat from Iran. This discrepancy raises questions about the motivations behind the U.S.-Israel military campaign and its justification.

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• “I think it was the correct move,” — Enrique Tarrio, Proud Boys Leader

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• “If the United States gets directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, the voters that voted for Trump because there was a hope that Trump was America First can no longer support Trump,” — Proud Boys Telegram Account

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• “‘But Trump said no new wars!’ He also said he’s gonna BOMB THE SHIT OUT OF Iran,” — Enrique Tarrio, Proud Boys Leader

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• “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” — Donald Trump, Former President

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This evolving narrative within the Proud Boys regarding U.S. involvement in Iran underscores the complexities of far-right politics and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive ideology in the face of shifting foreign policy dynamics.

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