The Tara Palmeri Show Most Americans Think Trump’s Iran War Is About Epstein—What They’re REALLY Saying w/ Mehdi Hasan
Mar 17, 2026
Mehdi Hasan, journalist and political analyst at Zeteo, shares eye-opening polling on American views of the Iran war and the Epstein files. He breaks down why many suspect a distraction, why the country is split on whose interests the war serves, and concerns about press failures, allies’ reluctance, and a deadly school bombing.
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Public Belief That War Distracted From Epstein
- A majority of Americans distrust the stated reasons for the Iran war and suspect political diversion.
- Zeteo and DropSite polling (Data for Progress) found 52% of likely voters think the war was at least partly to distract from Epstein files, with 81% of Democrats agreeing.
Remembering Protests And The Push For Legitimacy
- Mehdi Hasan recalls protesting the Iraq War and notes past leaders at least sought international legitimacy.
- He contrasts Bush/Blair going to the UN and Congress with today's administration acting unilaterally without explanation.
Nation Split Over Whether War Serves Israel Or America
- The American public is split nearly evenly on whether the war serves U.S. or Israeli interests.
- Polling showed a dead split ~46–47% believing Trump went to war for American interests versus Israeli interests, signaling deep mistrust of foreign-policy motives.