President Donald Trump on Monday denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming General Daniel Caine opposes an extended military campaign against Iran. Trump described the reporting as '100% incorrect' and stated that Caine supports a potential military action if decided. The denial comes amid escalating U.S. military buildup near Iran.
On February 23, 2026, in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump addressed a Wall Street Journal article published that day, which reported that General Daniel Caine, whom Trump nicknamed 'Razin Caine,' was raising concerns about U.S. war plans against Iran. These concerns, according to the Journal, were shared by other Pentagon leaders and focused on the potential costs of a longer campaign, including depletion of munitions stockpiles, complications in protecting regional partners, and impacts on future conflicts such as with China.
Trump dismissed the report, saying, 'The story does not attribute this vast wealth of knowledge to anyone, and is 100% incorrect.' He added that Caine, like others, prefers to avoid war but believes any military action against Iran 'will be something easily won' if pursued. Trump highlighted Caine's experience, noting he led 'Midnight Hammer,' the attack that destroyed Iran's nuclear development site using B-2 bombers. 'Razin Caine is a Great Fighter, and represents the Most Powerful Military anywhere in the World,' Trump said.
The president emphasized that Caine has not opposed action against Iran and would lead if ordered. 'Everything that has been written about a potential War with Iran has been written incorrectly, and purposefully so,' Trump stated. He reiterated that he prefers a deal with Iran but warned that failure to reach one would bring a 'very bad day' for the country and its people.
The Journal outlined U.S. options including limited strikes and a days-long aerial campaign aimed at regime change. Trump has not decided on next steps, keeping all options open, while the U.S. has deployed a massive fleet of warships and planes near Iran—the largest in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded, 'General Caine is a highly respected professional whose job requires providing unbiased information to the Commander in Chief, which he does perfectly. President Trump listens to feedback from all members of his national security team, and he is always the final decision maker.'
