In a March 8, 2026, interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures", Senator Lindsey Graham discussed Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure. Graham defended the operation’s significant costs and President Trump’s proposed defense spending as a necessary "investment" to dismantle the Iranian regime.

 

Graham Joins Maria Bartiromo to Discuss Operation Epic Fury & President Trump's Defense Budget

In a March 8, 2026, interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures", Senator Lindsey Graham discussed Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure. Graham defended the operation’s significant costs and President Trump’s proposed defense spending as a necessary "investment" to dismantle the Iranian regime.

 

Key Points from the Interview

Defense Budget & War Costs: When questioned by Maria Bartiromo about the estimated $1 billion per day cost of the war and President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, Graham called it the "best money ever spent" to neutralize a "religious Nazi regime".

Economic Opportunity: Graham claimed that toppling the Iranian government would lead to a "new Middle East" where the U.S. and its allies would "make a ton of money" through regional stability and new business deals, specifically mentioning potential peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Goals: He stated the operation aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stop its support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and protect the Straits of Hormuz.

Call to Action for Allies: Graham urged Arab allies, such as Saudi Arabia, to join the military efforts more directly, arguing they are also being targeted by Iranian aggression.

Timeline and Rhetoric: Graham predicted the regime would fall soon, warning that more aggressive strikes would occur in the coming weeks to "blow the hell out of these people".

 

Public and Political Reaction

Criticism: Some viewers and political commentators, including Meghan McCain, criticized Graham's rhetoric, suggesting his blunt talk about making money from war was "scaring people" and damaging the administration's messaging.

Casualties: The discussion occurred amid reports of the first confirmed American service member casualties in the conflict, which President Trump acknowledged as likely to increase before the operation concludes.