‘Unhinged madman’: MTG, Schumer, Sanders react to President Trump’s expletive-laced Iran threat

WASHINGTON, DC: Reactions from US lawmakers intensified on Sunday, April 5, after President Donald Trump issued an expletive-laden warning to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, drawing criticism across party lines amid escalating tensions and ongoing disruptions to the critical global oil route.

The strait, a critical channel for energy shipments, has remained largely restricted following the outbreak of conflict. Trump’s comments and accompanying threats have intensified political debate in Washington over US strategy and conduct.

Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizes Trump's stance on Iran

Trump’s statement, posted on Truth Social, included a direct warning to Iranian authorities.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J TRUMP,” he wrote.

The remarks prompted criticism from several US political figures, including former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

In a post on X, Greene expressed concern about the president’s approach and questioned the broader direction of policy. “I know all of you and him and he has gone insane, and all of you are complicit. I’m not defending Iran but let’s be honest about all of this.”

Greene also criticized the rationale behind the conflict, stating, “The Strait is closed because the US and Israel started the unprovoked war against Iran based on the same nuclear lies they’ve been telling for decades.”

She added that targeting infrastructure could harm civilians, saying, “Trump threatening to bomb power plants and bridges hurts the Iranian people, the very people Trump claimed he was freeing." 

Reflecting on previous political commitments, Greene wrote, “This NOT what we promised the American people when they overwhelmingly voted in 2024,” adding, “This is not making America great again, this is evil.”

Broader political response and escalating tensions

Other lawmakers also responded to Trump’s comments, raising concerns about the tone and potential implications of his remarks.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the statement as alarming, writing that the president was “ranting like an unhinged madman on social media.” He added, “He’s threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies.”

Senator Bernie Sanders also criticized the remarks, calling them “dangerous and mentally unbalanced.”

He wrote, “These are the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual. Congress has got to act NOW. End this war.”

Senator Chris Murphy similarly expressed concern, stating, “This is completely, utterly unhinged,” and referenced discussions around the 25th Amendment, which allows for a determination of presidential fitness for office under specific conditions.

Trump has issued multiple deadlines for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route responsible for a significant share of oil and gas transit.

The waterway has been largely closed following military escalation involving the United States and Israel, contributing to rising global energy prices.