This is one outlet's own report from Newsweek — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
Massie Calls Iran War Trump's 'Biggest and Most Costly Blunder
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Representative Thomas Massie escalated his criticism of the Iran war on Saturday night, writing on social media that the conflict could ultimately become the Trump administration 's "biggest and most costly blunder."
In a pair of X posts, the Kentucky Republican suggested the war would prove more damaging than a string of other policies he has sharply criticized, including the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, tariffs, government spending and other domestic issues.
"Of all the stupid things this administration has done...Hiding Epstein files, trying to pass tariffs without Congress, advocating for more spending, ignoring DOGE, indemnifying glyphosate, starting a war in the Middle East will prove to be the biggest and most costly blunder," the congressman wrote.
In a follow-up post, Massie added that the conflict could carry steep economic and political costs.
"$100+ billion in direct military costs, $100+ billion in costs to consumers, incalculable political capital burned," he wrote. "But those insults and injuries pale in comparison to the diminished standing of our great country among the world. We should walk away from this now."
Massie's X posts came as debate continues over the costs and future direction of the conflict, with the administration facing ongoing questions about military spending and the economic disruption tied to tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical, narrow waterway that serves as the world's most vital oil transit chokepoint.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed senators last month that the war with Iran has cost an estimated $37.5 billion since hostilities began in late February, covering current operations and projected needs through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Meanwhile, a defense spending bill is currently stalled in Congress, with lawmakers fuming over President Donald Trump’s military action against Tehran and resisting the White House request to substantially increase Pentagon spending to $1.5 trillion, up from about $900 billion last year.
Newsweek reached out to the White House on Sunday.
Massie has emerged as one of the most persistent Republican opponents of the Iran war since it began in February, repeatedly arguing that Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to decide whether the United States enters a war. The congressman previously sponsored and backed war powers efforts aimed at limiting U.S. military involvement in Iran without congressional authorization and has repeatedly argued against further escalation.
Although Massie endorsed Trump during the 2024 election cycle, the relationship has frequently been strained.
The Kentucky Republican has often broken with party leadership on spending and foreign policy issues, positions that he has argued are consistent with the " America First " principles that helped propel Trump back to the White House.
Trump ultimately backed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in a Republican primary challenge against Massie. Gallrein defeated the longtime congressman in May, a loss that will end Massie's nearly 14-year tenure in the House when his current term expires in January 2027. Massie has indicated he intends to use his remaining months in office to continue challenging the administration's policies.
Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene , conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent have all emerged as vocal critics of the administration's Iran policy.
Greene has argued that Trump abandoned a central promise to avoid new foreign wars, while Carlson has repeatedly criticized U.S. involvement in the conflict and accused the administration of drifting away from the non-interventionist message that energized many voters during the last presidential election. Kent resigned from a senior national security role earlier this year amid disagreements over the war and later became one of its most outspoken opponents.
Earlier this month, Massie joined Carlson, Greene and Kent at a gathering in Maine that sparked renewed speculation about the future of the "America First" movement outside Trump's orbit.
The meeting drew attention since several attendees openly discussed dissatisfaction with both major political parties and floated the possibility of a future third-party effort centered on opposition to foreign intervention.
Greene declared that Trump had "betrayed" supporters who backed him because they believed he would keep the U.S. out of new overseas conflicts. According to reports, attendees discussed ways to organize opposition to the war and broader dissatisfaction with the Republican establishment.
Kent later suggested participants had discussed the challenges of creating an independent political movement, though no formal organization has been announced.
While the prospect of a viable third-party movement remains uncertain, the discussions highlighted how the Iran war has become the defining issue binding together some of Trump's most prominent former allies.
Supporters of the administration argue the war has degraded Iran's military capabilities, disrupted its nuclear ambitions, protected U.S. interests and allies in the region, and reduced threats from Tehran and its proxies. Critics contend the war violates "America First" principles, risks a prolonged Middle East conflict and imposes significant economic costs on American consumers.
Massie's comments highlight how central that debate has become.
Iran warned that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless the U.S. meets six sweeping demands, including lifting sanctions, withdrawing military forces from around the country and paying compensation for two wars.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security ...
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
