Trump fires back at Brian Kilmeade over Iran question: 'What fool would answer that?'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump sharply pushed back at a question from Fox News host Brian Kilmeade during a phone interview on Friday, March 13, criticizing the host for asking about a potential US military move involving Iran.

The exchange occurred during a segment where Kilmeade asked whether the administration was considering targeting Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub through which a large portion of the country’s crude shipments pass.

Trump calls Brian Kilmeade's question 'foolish'

“Are you thinking about taking Kharg Island where 90% of the Iranian oil goes through?” Kilmeade asked the president during the conversation.

Trump quickly dismissed the question, suggesting that discussing potential military actions publicly would be irresponsible.

“Yeah, but, Brian, I can’t answer a question like that,” Trump replied. “And you shouldn’t ask it. You shouldn’t even be asking it.

The president continued his response by explaining why he believed such questions were inappropriate in the context of national security and military planning.

“It’s one of so many different things,” Trump said, referring to possible strategic considerations. “It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things.”

Trump then emphasized that decisions related to military strategy could change quickly and should not be publicly discussed in detail.

“I can change my mind in seconds,” he added, before criticizing the question more directly.

“For you to ask the question, who would answer a question like that?” Trump said. “What fool would answer it?”

The president then used a hypothetical scenario to illustrate his point, suggesting it would make little sense for any leader to publicly reveal plans related to potential military operations.

“Let’s say I was going to do it or I wasn’t going to do it,” Trump said. “What would I tell you? ‘Oh yes, Brian, I’m thinking about doing it. Let me let you know what time and when it will take place.’”

Trump expresses disappointment in Brian Kilmeade

Trump wrapped up his response by describing the question as surprising, particularly given his familiarity with the Fox News host.

“It’s sort of a foolish question,” the president said. “A little surprising for you because you’re a smart man.”

Brian ended exchange by praising Trump's vision and strategy regarding Iran.

“I'm smart but you're pretty amazing because you thought about it in 1988”, said Brian.

Kharg Island is considered a crucial part of Iran’s oil infrastructure, serving as one of the country’s primary export terminals in the Persian Gulf.

Because of its strategic significance, questions about the island often arise in discussions about economic pressure or potential military escalation involving Iran.

Trump, however, made clear during the interview that he was unwilling to publicly discuss such possibilities, arguing that doing so would undermine strategic decision-making.