GOP Candidate James Fishback Challenges Trump To Justify Iran War To Congress ‘This Week’
In his remarks on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday, Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback challenged President Donald Trump to make a clear case to the American people for U.S. involvement in a war with Iran.
James Fishback, a candidate for the Republican nomination in the Florida gubernatorial race, argued that the Trump administration has failed to make a case for war and has been inconsistent about U.S. goals in Iran.
“The goal posts have already moved in the wrong direction several times,” Fishback said.
Fishback’s remarks come as the right has spoken out against strikes in Iran, most recently when former National Counterterrorism Center chief Joe Kent resigned Tuesday, saying, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.” » (RELATED: Joe Kent, Gabbard’s Top Aide, Resigns Over Iran, Prays Trump ‘Reflects’)
“This seems like the start of a forever war,” Fishback said.
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Fishback made his position clear, calling the war “reckless” and framing the debate as one of “good versus evil.”
“My challenge to President Trump today, as a supporter of him, as a proud voter, is to come back to this building,” he said, pointing to the Capitol. “Come back to this building this week. Call for a joint congressional address…and tell us why we are at war. Share intelligence, share goals, and most importantly, share what victory looks like.”
The candidate added that he and most Americans would be happy to reconsider their opposition if the arguments were compelling.
“If there is real evidence to suggest that Iran was about to imminently strike the United States and kill American citizens, then I will be happy to change my mind,” he said. “I’m sure many Americans at home who are frustrated by this war, if they saw evidence of it, would be happy to do so.”
Asked about previous comments opposing the deployment of the Florida National Guard to foreign conflicts without congressional approval, Fishback told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he holds the same position.
“I hope that by next January, when I take the oath of office, this war will be over and I will not have to engage in a big battle with the federal government over this conflict,” he added.
Fishback’s campaign livestreamed the event on multiple platforms, including X and Instagram.
In November 2025, Fishback launched his campaign to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. As a 31-year-old former investment company CEO, Fishback entered the race with no political experience and his campaign focused on appealing to young conservatives.
Fishback has faced criticism from the right on some campaign issues that have proven controversial, such as a “sin tax” on OnlyFans content creators and the elimination of property taxes for Florida residents, a policy he doubled down on today.
“If your home is worth less than $2 million, you won’t pay anything in property taxes. “” Fishback told DCNF.
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