President Donald Trump dismissed criticism from prominent voices within the MAGA movement after authorizing a large-scale military offensive against Iran, insisting the operation is essential to protect the United States and its allies.

The joint U.S.-Israel strikes began on Shabbos, even as diplomatic discussions were underway. The attacks reportedly eliminated dozens of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Six American servicemembers have also been killed in the fighting.

Some well-known conservative commentators have publicly opposed the military action. Megyn Kelly argued that “no one should have to die for a foreign country,” while Tucker Carlson described the attacks on Iran as “absolutely disgusting and evil.”

In comments to journalist Rachael Bade of The Inner Circle on Monday, Trump forcefully rejected the criticism, directly addressing Kelly and Carlson, both former Fox News hosts.

“I think that MAGA is Trump — MAGA’s not the other two,” Trump said of Kelly and Carlson. “MAGA wants to see our country thrive and be safe. And MAGA loves what I’m doing — every aspect of it… This is a detour that we have to take in order to keep our country safe and keep other countries safe, frankly.”

Trump also took aim at Kelly specifically, suggesting she revisit historical precedent.

The president added that Kelly should “study her history book a little bit.”

“Megan was opposed to me for years when I ran the first time and nothing stopped me,” Trump stated. “And so, you know, some people are against — and they always come back. She came all the way back. But now I guess she maybe doesn’t like the idea of this war, but I do because I have to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranians.”

Turning to Carlson, who reportedly visited the White House three times in recent weeks in an effort to argue against striking Iran, Trump said the criticism does not concern him.

Regarding Carlson, Trump said the criticism does not bother him, explaining that Carlson “can say whatever he wants; it has no impact on me.”