A surprising endorsement emerged in the wake of recent military strikes: former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, alongside Ambassador Mark Wallace, publicly praised President Trump’s actions against Iran. Their organization, United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), was specifically created to confront the threats emanating from the Islamic Republic and has consistently highlighted Iran’s human rights record and aggressive behavior.
UANI, co-led by Bush and Wallace – a veteran of the George W. Bush administration – has long served as a critical voice, advising both policymakers and the business world on the inherent risks of engaging with Tehran. The group doesn’t simply identify dangers; it actively counsels companies against the legal, financial, and reputational fallout of doing business with Iran.
In a statement released shortly after the operation, Bush and Wallace lauded the “courage and professionalism” of American and Israeli forces. They explicitly applauded President Trump for making what they deemed a “courageous decision” to authorize the military action, citing decades of Iranian-sponsored terror and regional instability.
The pair acknowledged the attempts by previous administrations to integrate Iran into the international community, noting that despite good-faith efforts, a diplomatic solution remained elusive. They emphasized that the current escalation was a direct result of the Iranian regime’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons, placing the responsibility squarely on Ayatollah Khamenei.
Reports surfaced late Saturday indicating that Ayatollah Khamenei, 86, had been declared deceased by Israeli sources. Bush and Wallace clarified that the joint operation was strategically targeted at dismantling Khamenei’s “lethal capabilities,” not at the Iranian people themselves.
They expressed hope for a future where Iran is “free, prosperous, and at peace,” echoing President Trump’s message and calling on all Americans to support the Iranian people in reclaiming their country. A separate statement from the two leaders boldly declared, “The Butcher of Tehran is dead.”
Bush further emphasized the significance of the operation, labeling it a “historic mission” against the Iranian regime. His public support represents a notable shift, considering the contentious relationship he shared with President Trump during the 2016 Republican primary.
The 2016 campaign was marked by sharp exchanges, with Trump famously branding Bush as “Low Energy Jeb” and Bush responding by questioning Trump’s ability to win the presidency through insults alone. Despite this past animosity, Bush now stands firmly alongside the President on this critical issue.
Beyond foreign policy, Bush has consistently championed education reform, particularly during his time as Governor of Florida. He implemented stricter academic standards and the “A+ plan,” pioneering a system of letter grades to assess student performance – a move that placed Florida at the forefront of educational accountability.
Bush has long advocated for a return to state-level control over education, believing that local policymakers are best equipped to address the unique needs of their communities. He sees an opportunity for the Trump administration to empower states and foster innovation in education.
