Stefanik rejects claim Trump’s Iran rhetoric was a call for genocide
Stefanik clashes with Tapper over Trump’s Iran remarks
Rep. Elise Stefanik pushed back during the State of the Union after CNN’s Jake Tapper voiced criticism of President Donald Trump over his comments on Iran and denied allegations that the president had called for genocide.
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Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Y., defended President Donald Trump during a heated exchange Sunday, pushing back against claims that the president’s rhetoric toward Iran amounted to a call for genocide.
Stefanik directly denied the accusation when pressed by CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union,” saying: “President Trump did not call for genocide, Jake. You’re putting those words in his mouth.”
The tense exchange came after scrutiny of Trump’s recent comments on Iran; Critics have argued that Trump’s language about eliminating threats could be interpreted as targeting civilians. Administration officials maintained that the president’s remarks were directed at Iran’s ruling regime, which the U.S. State Department has described as a state sponsor of terrorism.
“The President has been very effective in calling out the Iranian terrorist regime,” Rep. Stefanik said. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg)
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Stefanik reinforced this distinction during the interview, saying, “It targets the terrorist regime.”
Tapper questioned whether references to eliminating threats crossed the line, citing concerns voiced by some observers. Stefanik denied the comment and accused the media of misrepresenting the president’s intentions.
“You’re adding genocide. That’s not what he said,” Stefanik said.
An anti-war activist carries an Iranian flag during a march organized by the Stop the War Coalition calling for an end to hostilities during the US-Israel conflict with Iran, London, England, March 7, 2026. (Jack Taylor/Reuters)
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Stefanik compared Trump’s remarks to past congressional hearings involving university leaders.
“The difference with these university presidents is that they cannot answer the simple, direct question,” Stefanik said. “President Trump did not call for genocide.”
Stefanik turned to Iran’s records and emphasized the regime’s actions.
“The Iranians killed tens of thousands of their own people,” he said. “President Trump effectively brought the Iranians to the table. He effectively brokered a ceasefire.”
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He also criticized those who expressed concerns about the president’s rhetoric, adding: “If you want to support the Iranian terrorist regime, that is your responsibility.”
The Trump administration has said its strategy focuses on deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions and limiting its influence in the Middle East. While officials emphasize in their latest statements that the US’s actions are aimed at the regime rather than the Iranian people, they are applying pressure to force negotiations.
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Stefanik reiterated this stance, saying, “The President has been very effective in calling out the Iranian terrorist regime.”
