George Conway, the Republican lawyer-turned-Democratic congressional candidate, ignited fierce backlash Saturday after suggesting that the United States is a “terrorist state” just hours after America and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran.
In a post on X, Conway wrote, “Perhaps the terrorist state with nuclear weapons is …. {checks notes} … the United States of America?” He later retweeted the comment, doubling down on the remark as criticism mounted online.
Conway, the ex-husband of former Trump campaign manager and White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, is currently seeking the Democratic nomination in New York’s 12th congressional district. His comments came at a sensitive moment, as the United States and Israel acted together in a coordinated strike targeting Iran.
Rather than focus his criticism on Tehran, Conway turned his fire inward, directing sharp rhetoric at his own country and at President Donald Trump. In additional posts, he said he was “hopeful that the war in Iran will bring needed democratic change to … the United States of America,” appearing to suggest that domestic political transformation could result from the escalating conflict abroad.
He also urged followers to “remember” that “the dim-witted megalomaniacal narcissistic psychopath who has just started a major regional war in the Middle East has unfettered control of approximately 5,177 nuclear warheads.” The remark was widely interpreted as a direct attack on President Trump, accusing him of launching a major regional war and emphasizing the scope of America’s nuclear arsenal.
Conway’s decision to characterize the United States as a terrorist state, particularly in the immediate aftermath of military action against Iran, quickly drew strong reactions from commentators across the political spectrum.
National Review’s Dan McLaughlin pushed back forcefully, writing, “You do not, in fact, gotta hand it to the enemies of the United States of America.” His response underscored the view among many conservatives that criticizing the U.S. in such stark terms during an international crisis undermines the country on the world stage.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer also weighed in, posting, “Imagine saying the United States are the real terrorists following US strikes on Iran. Between the US and Iran, George Conway chooses the Iranian regime.” Her comment reflected a broader sentiment among critics who see Conway’s remarks as aligning more closely with America’s adversaries than with its elected leadership.
The controversy highlights the increasingly sharp divisions in American political discourse, particularly when it comes to foreign policy and the use of military force. As the United States and Israel conduct joint operations abroad, Conway’s comments have thrust him into the spotlight at home — not for a policy proposal or campaign event, but for a statement many view as crossing a line.
With his congressional bid underway in New York’s 12th district, Conway now finds himself facing intensified scrutiny over rhetoric that critics argue disparages the very country he seeks to represent.
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