Mike Johnson, in a split from Trump, says US shouldn't nation-build in Iran

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: USA Today

March 11, 2026, 3:56 p.m. ET


House Speaker Mike Johnson said the United States should not be "nation-building" or intervening around the world, casting a stark contrast to President Donald Trump's recent framing of the international war he had hoped would be an opportunity for "building a new country" in Iran.

The Republican House leader made the comments during an annual policy conference held in Florida on Tuesday, March 10. When asked by NBC News reporter Scott Wong whether he supported nation-building in Iran, Johnson responded: "I don't."
More: Iran war live updates: Gas prices top $3.50 as ships burn on Strait of Hormuz

"I don't think it's our role," Johnson said, before adding that he thinks America has a "very important role to play in the world" stretching back generations. "We are the good guys," Johnson said. "We are the defenders of freedom and liberty, and freedom-loving people all around the world benefit from a strong America."

"Does that mean that we should be intervening everywhere around the world and nation-building and doing all these other endeavors?" Johnson added. "No, because we don’t have the resources or the appetite to do that. That’s not our responsibility." Over the last several months, Trump has launched military actions in Venezuela, Syria and Nigeria, and threatened military intervention in Greenland and Cuba.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/11/mike-johnson-iran-nation-build-trump/89101640007/

[Javaman]

1. and yet the repukes did nothing to stop him. fuck off tiny johnson. nt

[Ferrets are Cool]

2. Reading between the line: I don't believe in "nation building" but I sure support bombing the shit out of them to

bring on the end times. FUCK YOU Moses Johnson.

[FakeNoose]

3. I'm pretty sure Netanyahu plans to move in and take over the nation-building activities

It's a wonder the other Arab leaders aren't protesting more .... Surely the idea that either the US or Israel would try to do such a thing must upset the Middle Eastern sensibilities.

[usonian]

4. Do you all remember the "Peace President"?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21065126
See below.

Mikey just wants to convert all those Muslims.

[catsudon]

5. no body want's to do nation building anymore

those fuckers got what they want already

how suddenly usa now have MORE control of oils in south America and middle east.

those oil wells in south american has been pumping all this time and is being sent to india (the free oil for 30 days that trump promised india, trading for a refinery being build in texas with 'investment' from india), i believe just as recent as a few days before

i was surprised to learn recently you can't just cap a oil well once it is tapped, the oil will continue to flow regardless if you can process them quickly. if you don't have storage, too bad, into the ground it goes (stopping the flow could stop it completely being a reason)