Iran must negotiate with President Donald Trump or face overwhelming U.S. military force if it continues threatening Americans, Rep. Addison McDowell said on Newsmax Thursday.
"What we had for the last four years before President Trump was back in office was massive weakness," the North Carolina Republican told Newsmax's "Wake Up America." "No one was afraid of America. They bullied us. They tried to take advantage of us. But peace through strength is back in the White House."
Speaking after reports that the Trump administration is weighing additional military options against Iran, McDowell said the president has restored a policy of "peace through strength" that Tehran must take seriously.
He warned that continued Iranian attacks on U.S. interests would bring a swift response.
"If you do not negotiate with the president and you continue to try to kill American troops and build bombs and build missiles that you're going to use to attempt to kill Americans, we will turn you into a parking lot," McDowell said.
He also dismissed Iran's military capabilities, saying, "Iran has no Navy. They cannot control the Strait of Hormuz. We're not going to let them."
"They need to understand who holds all the cards," McDowell added. "They might try to push the envelope, but we're driving the mail truck, and we'll run them over."
Turning to domestic issues, McDowell said he expects House Republicans to approve a budget package that includes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
"I agree with the chairman, and I agree with the speaker. I think this is a great bill," McDowell said. "If any of my colleagues want to vote against the SAVE America Act, go for it. But I think that's a bad move."
McDowell said Republicans must pass the legislation without relying on Democrat votes, as doing so could force concessions on unrelated spending priorities.
"Our military needs the money. They're going to have to have it one way or the other," he said. "If we don't get this done, we'll have no choice but to go to Democrats."
He said that would result in Democrats demanding "billions of dollars for all of their woke agenda just so that we can support our troops."
"We're not going to let that happen," McDowell said. "We're going to be successful today in the Budget Committee in getting this thing done."
McDowell also criticized House Democrats after many voted against aid to Israel.
"The Democrat establishment, which is now considered the moderates because the Democrats are so crazy, they are afraid of their woke radical base who believes in supporting Hamas over our longtime ally in Israel. I mean, these folks have lost their minds," he said.
"We are next Congress very likely going to have 25 to 30 outward-facing, fully embracing socialists in Congress," McDowell added. "I mean, that terrifies me. We have to stop them."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com