Trump quotes general on destroying Iranian ships: 'It's a lot more fun this way'

2026-03-12 - 10:43

President Donald Trump delivered characteristically colorful remarks at a Kentucky rally Wednesday, quoting an unnamed US general who allegedly told him that destroying Iranian vessels is preferable to capturing them "because it's more fun doing it this way." The comments came as Trump sought to rally support for the largely unpopular US war on Iran in friendly territory where his Republican Party enjoys broad popularity. Trump touts naval successes The president also claimed that American forces have "knocked out" 58 Iranian ships as part of Operation Epic Fury, including 54 vessels destroyed in just two days. Speaking in his trademark off-the-cuff style, Trump described rapid US military successes against Iranian vessels attempting to disrupt maritime traffic in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. His numbers have escalated in recent public remarks, often outpacing or loosely aligning with official military reports. Public opposition persists Despite Trump's enthusiastic rally rhetoric, nationwide opinion polls show a clear majority of Americans oppose the war, with many worried about launching another prolonged Middle East conflict and concerns about how the fighting might spike inflation. Critics have also noted Trump's habit of quoting anonymous sources who say things agreeable to him, suggesting that while the general's quote may be genuine, such anecdotes often reflect Trump's own state of mind or are meant to please his audience rather than convey verified information. CENTCOM confirms maritime campaign US Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper confirmed Wednesday that American forces have struck or sunk more than 60 Iranian ships since operations began. On Tuesday, CENTCOM destroyed 16 alleged Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz in preemptive strikes, with released footage showing hits on moored boats. Control of the strategic waterway, where Iran has reportedly begun laying naval mines threatening global oil flows, is seen as key to the maritime campaign that has become a central front in the expanding conflict.