Trump calls the Iran war - which has left 18 U.S. service members dead - 'small potatoes'
President Donald Trump described the ongoing military conflict with Iran as 'small potatoes' while defending Vice President JD Vance's refusal to label the situation a war. The conflict has resulted in 18 U.S. service member deaths and significant taxpayer expenditure.
Why it matters
The administration's downplaying of a conflict involving U.S. casualties and billions in spending highlights a significant political divide regarding foreign policy and military engagement.
President Donald Trump on Friday said the conflict in Iran is “small potatoes” as he defended Vice President JD Vance for asserting that months of on-and-off attacks in the Middle East are not a “war.”
Asked during an Oval Office exchange about Vance’s comments made a day earlier, Trump said U.S. strikes on Iran are now “intermittent” and “a lot of people don’t call it a war.” The conflict has cost U.S. taxpayers more than $37.5 billion and left 18 U.S. service members dead.
“I can understand what he’s saying,” said Trump. He added: “I call it a military conflict because it’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing.”
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Trump shrugs off Iran conflict and calls it 'small potatoes'
Trump says Iran conflict, which has killed 18 US service members and injured hundreds more, is ‘small potatoes’
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