The Latest Dark Crusade: Christian Zionism, the Israel Lobby, and the War on Iran

In this incisive episode of UK Column News, host Mike interviews Cliff Kirikoff, author of *Dark Crusade*, about the growing influence of Christian Zionism and the Israel lobby in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Kirikoff argues that Christian Zionism—originating in 19th-century Britain and institutionalized in the U.S. during the Civil War era—has become a dominant ideological force in the Trump administration, with key figures like Pete Hegseth, Paula White, and Steve Bannon promoting a doomsday-driven agenda that seeks to accelerate Armageddon for the return of Christ. He details how this ideology, rooted in eschatological fantasy, aligns with Jewish Zionism not out of theological harmony but political pragmatism, as both groups exploit each other’s voting power. Kirikoff warns that Trump’s unilateral war order against Iran is unconstitutional, bypassing Congress and the National Security Council, and has sparked internal resistance, including the resignation of senior intelligence official Joe Kent and over 100 military lawsuits over religious harassment. He also highlights a generational fracture within the MAGA movement, splitting into pro-Israel 'MIGA' and anti-Zionist 'America First' factions, with youth and independents increasingly rejecting Zionist influence. Economic fallout from the war—including fertilizer shortages and global food insecurity—could fuel political resistance, though Kirikoff cautions that systemic change may not come until 2028. Despite growing awareness, especially among younger Americans, he remains skeptical of immediate reform, citing deep entrenchment of the Zionist lobby in Congress and the White House.