Trump Faces Rising Dissent Within Republican Party
Internal criticism grows within Republican ranks as Trump faces backlash over rhetoric, Iran policy, and political conduct.
Republican figures and conservative commentators voice criticism of Trump’s recent actions and rhetoric. Photo: @EyeonPalestine
April 16, 2026 Hour: 3:40 am
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Allies and conservative figures criticize Trump’s rhetoric, foreign policy, and conduct.
U.S. President Donald Trump is facing increasing criticism from within his own political base, including Republican lawmakers, conservative commentators, and former allies, as concerns grow over his recent actions and statements.
While Trump continues to hold firm control over the Republican Party and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, a range of voices within that coalition have begun to publicly question what they describe as increasingly extreme and erratic behavior.
“Genuinely, I think that Trump is currently possessed by a demon,” ultraconservative pastor Joel Webbon said on social media after the president shared an image likening himself to Jesus and publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV.
A conservative writer and associate of Vice President JD Vance told The Wall Street Journal, “I’m not saying that Trump is the Antichrist, but he is channeling the spirit of the Antichrist, for sure.” The same source added, “There is no upside for a politician who picks a fight with the Pope.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a longtime ally of the president, also distanced himself from the remarks, stating, “I would stop picking on the Church.” Senators John Curtis and Susan Collins described Trump’s messages as “offensive.”
Criticism has also come from prominent right-wing media figures. Commentator Tucker Carlson told his audience of four million followers that Trump’s recent messages are “evil.”
Megan Kelly, addressing her 3.7 million supporters, said, “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m sick of this shit, enough of all this. Can Trump not behave like a normal human being?”
Podcast host Joe Rogan criticized Trump’s approach to Iran, calling the war “insane” and arguing that supporters should feel “betrayed,” noting that Trump had previously pledged not to start new conflicts.
Other figures who have voiced opposition include comedian Theo Von, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who argued that Trump should be removed from office, and commentator Candace Owens, who described the president as a “genocidal lunatic.”
Trump’s confrontation with Iran, his threat to bring “death to an entire civilization,” his comparison of himself to Jesus, his verbal attacks on the Pope, immigration enforcement actions by ICE, and the economic impact of his policies have contributed to growing discontent among segments of his base.
Meanwhile, the president’s approval rating has fallen to 36 percent, its lowest level since the start of his second term in January 2025.
Although still limited, the dissent points to emerging fractures within a political coalition that has largely remained unified behind Trump.
Author: MK
Source: Agencies
