Trump calls Iran war a 'little diversion' in Las Vegas
PUBLISHED Apr 16, 2026, 11:49 PM ET
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LAS VEGAS: President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States war with Iran was a "little diversion" during his second term, while promoting a "no tax on tips" measure from last year’s tax reform bill and touting his economic record since returning to office in 2025. He called Iran a "lovely country" and said action was necessary because of its apparent nuclear potential, warning that "otherwise, bad things could happen." An Ipsos poll conducted last weekend of more than 1,000 respondents found 51% said the Iran war was not worth the costs, while 24% disagreed. A Quinnipiac University poll published Wednesday found 65% of US voters blamed Mr. Trump for a rise in gas prices tied to the Strait of Hormuz closing since the start of the conflict; that poll also reported 36% approved of his handling of the situation with Iran and 58% disapproved.
By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2025: Donald Trump returns to office for a second term.
- Prior to mid-April 2026: A major tax reform bill including a 'no tax on tips' measure was passed.
- Thursday (mid-April 2026): Trump speaks in Las Vegas, calls Iran war a 'little diversion'.
- Last weekend (mid-April 2026): Ipsos conducts a poll of more than 1,000 respondents about the Iran war.
- This week (mid-April 2026): Poll results reported — 51% say the war is not worth the costs, 24% disagree.
News Intelligence
- The Iran war and its effects hit your wallet. Gas prices have risen due to the conflict. If you're feeling the pinch at the pump, this is why. Keep an eye on the news for updates on the situation.
- Articles Published:
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- Right Leaning:
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- Left Leaning:
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- Distribution:
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President Donald Trump and his core supporters received a political messaging boost as he touted his economic record while discussing the Iran conflict.
American taxpayers and wider public sentiment faced increased scrutiny and disapproval, with a majority in the cited Ipsos poll deeming the Iran war not worth its costs.
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Trump calls Iran war a 'little diversion' in Las Vegas
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