Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Declares Power, Denies Iran War; Strikes Follow, Carlson Condemns

6/22/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump Denies War

The book excerpt says President Donald Trump called himself the most powerful U.S. president while denying any war with Iran.
President Donald Trump told Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson in Oval Office U.S. would not go to war with Iran.
Elon Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency and resigned on May 30, 2025.
Tucker Carlson later called the 2025 U.S. strikes on Iran absolutely disgusting and evil.

Right

Trump Calls Netanyahu

President Donald Trump allegedly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “con man” during an Office meeting, per a book.
It says President Donald Trump called Netanyahu a “con man” and changed his war stance after a Situation Room briefing.
Elon Musk was transfixed by a golden pager Netanyahu gave to President Donald Trump.
White House officials voiced alarm that the book’s authors may have accessed Situation Room recordings.

History

Historical Context

After the 4 November 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, 52 Americans were held for 444 days until their release on 20 January 1981, minutes after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. President Jimmy Carter’s failed rescue (Operation Eagle Claw, 24 April 1980) and the Algerian-brokered accords deepened U.S.–Iran distrust, a backdrop for Donald Trump’s 2025 claims about averting war with Iran.

1 of 3

Trump Denies War

The book excerpt says President Donald Trump called himself the most powerful U.S. president while denying any war with Iran.
President Donald Trump told Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson in Oval Office U.S. would not go to war with Iran.
Elon Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency and resigned on May 30, 2025.
Tucker Carlson later called the 2025 U.S. strikes on Iran absolutely disgusting and evil.

1 / 3