Stefanik clashes with Tapper over Trump Iran remarks
Rep. Elise Stefanik pushed again on NCS’s Jake Tapper throughout State of the Union after he cited criticism of President Donald Trump over feedback about Iran, rejecting claims that the president referred to as for genocide.
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Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., defended President Donald Trump throughout a heated trade Sunday, pushing again in opposition to claims that the president’s rhetoric towards Iran amounted to a call for genocide.
Stefanik instantly rejected the accusation when pressed by NCS’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union,” saying, “President Trump didn’t call for genocide, Jake. You are placing these phrases in his mouth.”
The tense trade adopted scrutiny of Trump’s latest feedback about Iran, with critics arguing his language about destroying threats could possibly be interpreted as focusing on civilians. Administration officers have maintained the president’s remarks had been directed at Iran’s ruling regime, which the U.S. Department of State designates as a state sponsor of terrorism.
“The president has been very effective in calling out the Iranian terrorist regime,” Rep. Stefanik mentioned. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg)
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Stefanik bolstered that distinction in the course of the interview, saying, “He’s targeting the terrorist regime.”
Tapper questioned whether or not references to wiping out threats crossed a line, citing issues raised by some observers. Stefanik dismissed that interpretation and accused the media of misrepresenting the president’s intent.
“You’re adding genocide. That’s not what he’s stating,” Stefanik mentioned.
An anti-war activist holds an Iranian flag throughout a march organized by Stop the War Coalition, calling for an finish to hostilities amid the U.S.-Israeli battle with Iran, in London, Britain, March 7, 2026. (Jack Taylor/Reuters)
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Stefanik contrasted Trump’s remarks with previous congressional hearings involving college leaders.
“The difference with those university presidents is they couldn’t answer the simple, direct question,” Stefanik mentioned. “President Trump didn’t call for genocide.”
Stefanik pivoted to Iran’s document, emphasizing the regime’s actions.
“The Iranians have killed tens of thousands of their own people,” she mentioned. “President Trump effectively brought the Iranians to the table. He effectively delivered a ceasefire.”
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She additionally criticized these elevating issues concerning the president’s rhetoric, including, “If you want to prop up the Iranian terrorist regime, that’s on you.”
The Trump administration has mentioned its technique is targeted on deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions and limiting its affect within the Middle East. In latest statements, officers have emphasised that U.S. actions are aimed on the regime slightly than the Iranian folks, whereas making use of strain to drive negotiations.
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Stefanik reiterated that place, saying, “The president has been very effective in calling out the Iranian terrorist regime.”