Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has criticised Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after he described two American service members killed in Iranian strikes on Jordan as having made a "sacrifice".
In a post on X on Saturday, Mr Hegseth wrote: "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve." Ms Greene responded with fury, writing: "Sacrifice?? What the f*** are you talking about?? They did not willingly sacrifice themselves. They were killed because of the war you, Trump, and the admin, are waging on behalf of a FOREIGN COUNTRY, Israel." She added: "You mean their deaths fuel your bloodlust for a senseless war."
The two service members were killed on Friday while defending against Iranian drone and ballistic missile strikes, according to US Central Command. One other service member was reported missing, while four others were hospitalised and later released.
In a further post, Ms Greene said: "This war was started for Israel and is now all about the Strait of Hormuz and control of oil. And there seems to be no end in sight, with the bombing now including power facilities and desalination plants in Iran and Kuwait. Countless innocent people’s lives will be at risk without power and especially water."
Ms Greene, who was once a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump but resigned from office in January, joins conservative figures such as Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly in alleging that the Trump administration started the war with Iran to appease Israel. The president denies the claims. Vice President JD Vance has echoed the allegations, saying on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that "there are some people within their [the Israeli government's] system... who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely."
According to the Associated Press, 17 American service members have been killed in the conflict since the US and Israel launched opening strikes against Tehran in February. Ms Greene has previously clashed with the administration over the war, warning in May of a "political revolution" if US troops were deployed to Iran.
