Morning Joe: Will President Trump Back Regime Change in Iran? Release Date: June 17, 2025

In this compelling episode of Morning Joe, hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, alongside guest analysts including David Ignatius and Richard Engel, delve into the intricate dynamics surrounding President Donald Trump's potential backing of regime change in Iran. The discussion spans international relations, domestic politics, military strategies, and public reactions, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current geopolitical landscape.

Trump’s Stance: Peace Through Strength and America First

The episode opens with Joe Scarborough outlining President Trump's declared position on Iran:

[01:03] Joe Scarborough: "The president, as he said today, his position has not changed. What you're watching in real time is peace through strength and America First. Our job is to be strong."

Scarborough emphasizes that Trump's strategy hinges on demonstrating military strength to secure peace, maintaining that the U.S. will defend its personnel and interests vigorously.

Internal MAGA Schism on Iran Policy

The conversation shifts to the internal divisions within the MAGA movement regarding Iran. Pete Hegseth raises questions about the Defense Secretary's remarks on "peace through strength":

[01:27] Pete Hegseth: "Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telling FOX News last night. What did that mean, peace through strength."

David Ignatius provides insight into the emerging rift:

[02:17] David Ignatius: "There's been a real divide... almost a civil war within the MAGA movement. On one side, Tucker Carlson and others advocate for an isolationist approach, while the other faction, including figures like Mark Levine and Rupert Murdoch, support leveraging Israel's military advantage against Iran."

Ignatius further explains that President Trump is navigating these conflicting pressures, attempting to satisfy both factions within his base, leading to observable wavering in his policies.

Military Developments: Israel’s Assault on Iran

Richard Engel, NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent, provides a ground report from Israel detailing the recent military offensives:

[10:52] Richard Engel: "The Israeli Air Force says it now has complete freedom of operation over Tehran... Israel's tactical brilliance is evident in their precision strikes, but the strategic endgame remains uncertain."

Engel elaborates on the effectiveness of Israel’s intelligence and military operations, noting the significant weakening of Iran’s air defenses. However, he raises concerns about the long-term implications and the potential for regime change:

[13:33] Joe Scarborough: "Do you fear the fear the same might happen if the Iranian regime was toppled?"

Engel warns of the unpredictable aftermath of such actions, referencing the devastating eight-year war in Iraq as a cautionary tale.

Trump’s G7 Summit Departure and Its Implications

The discussion moves to President Trump's abrupt departure from the G7 summit amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Claims circulate that the U.S. might be preparing for intensified involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict:

[15:54] Joe Scarborough: "Donald Trump first came there strangely obsessed with talking about Vladimir Putin... What did the president see in the G7 statement that he didn't like, that he wanted to change?"

Yamiche Alcindor from NBC News provides context on Trump's departure:

[34:03] Yamiche Alcindor: "The president was having what some would say was a successful G7... but decided to leave early due to developments in the Middle East."

David Ignatius adds that Trump is balancing his personal relationships with other world leaders while addressing the internal conflicts within his support base.

Potential for Regime Change and Its Risks

David French, a New York Times opinion columnist, discusses the inevitability of conflict and the challenges Trump faces:

[07:11] David French: "These things are not reconcilable. These are not reconcilable ideas... Trump is hoping that Israel can finish the job with Iran so that he doesn't even have to make the decision."

The panel notes the precarious position Trump is in, trying to fulfill divergent promises to his supporters while managing international alliances and potential military escalations.

Domestic Reactions: Military Parade and Public Protests

The episode also covers the domestic fallout from Trump's actions, particularly his decision to host a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on his birthday. Political analysts Ed Guardardis and Eugene Robinson weigh in:

[45:26] Ed Guardardis: "Donald Trump tried to use the United States Armed Forces as a birthday party rental company... It's good to be bad at certain things, and throwing a lockstep military parade is not something we're gonna be good at in this country because we are free in our bones."

Eugene Robinson echoes the sentiment, highlighting the disconnect between the parade's intentions and public sentiment:

[48:32] Eugene Robinson: "It was a tale of two gatherings... the military parade was not a very exciting parade, but that was indeed a good thing."

Meanwhile, massive protests coincide with the parade, underscoring the public's resistance to Trump's perceived overreach:

[51:54] Joe Scarborough: "The American people are basically telling the president that they are not okay with any of this."

Conclusion: Uncertain Path Forward

As the episode wraps up, the panel reflects on the uncertain future of U.S. involvement in Iran and the broader implications for both international stability and domestic unity. The divided MAGA movement, the strategic military actions in the Middle East, and the public's response to Trump's maneuvers create a complex web of challenges that lie ahead.

[44:01] David Ignatius: "President Trump has tainted so many things with his corruption and so many things with this self-interest. It's very hard to pull any one thing out and say, hey, look, this is purely a unifying American moment."

Morning Joe leaves listeners with a nuanced perspective on the potential for regime change in Iran, emphasizing the high stakes involved and the delicate balance Trump must maintain between various political and military pressures.

This episode serves as an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted issues surrounding U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, the internal dynamics of the MAGA movement, and the broader implications for global stability and American democracy.