Rep. John Rose, a Republican from Tennessee, sharply criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders’ stance on the Iran conflict, saying the Vermont senator’s rhetoric “border on being antisemitic” during a Friday appearance on Newsmax.

Speaking on “Wake Up America Early” with host Alex Kraemer, Rose took issue with Sanders’ opposition to U.S. backing of Israel and military steps related to Iran, arguing that Sanders is presenting a misleading picture of the situation.

“As I listen to Sen. Sanders’ comments, I think they border on being antisemitic,” Rose said. “This is not about Israel, and Israel is not somehow driving the ship.
“The president has taken us down this road of action toward Iran to stop them from getting nuclear weapons and the capacity to deliver them to our country.”

Earlier in the week, Sanders contended that Americans “do not want us to continue spending billions” in support of what he described as the “illegal, horrific, and expansionist war policies” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rose rejected that framing, insisting the issue at hand is centered on defending the United States and its allies rather than aligning with any particular foreign government.

“This is about protecting America … and protecting the rest of the world,” Rose said, adding that previous administrations had failed to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He went on to praise President Donald Trump for what he described as decisive leadership in confronting Tehran, contrasting it with what he called years of ineffective policy under both parties.

According to Rose, Trump made multiple efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran before resorting to more forceful measures.

“He tried desperately to negotiate … but they refused to negotiate in good faith,” Rose said.

The exchange comes as lawmakers in Washington remain split over the extent of U.S. involvement in the growing confrontation with Iran.

Earlier this week, the House narrowly defeated a war powers resolution that sought to curb the president’s authority, falling short by a single vote and highlighting divisions within Congress.

Rose also weighed in on broader disputes in Washington, including the ongoing government shutdown and disagreements over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

He accused Senate Democrats of blocking funding initiatives and advancing policies that, in his view, endanger the public.

“Democrats in the Senate, led by, you know, Leader [Chuck] Schumer, are determined to defund the police,” Rose said, arguing they are placing “the safety and security of Americans behind protecting criminal illegal aliens.”

The Tennessee congressman additionally pointed to what he described as a wider lack of accountability on Capitol Hill, referencing former California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell amid reports of alleged misconduct.

“It’s good to see him being held accountable,” Rose said, suggesting Democrats had previously shielded Swalwell for political reasons.

As tensions over Iran continue to rise alongside deepening domestic political divisions, Rose’s comments reflect the increasingly sharp partisan disagreements shaping both U.S. foreign policy and internal debates in Washington.