U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz falsely claimed on ABC News that President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran — obvious war crimes — would not be war crimes, but rather “an escalatory ladder.”
KARL: Is the president really prepared to go back to full-on war? Is he prepared to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 19, 2026
MIKE WALTZ: Well, all options are on the table, absolutely. That's not a war crime.
KARL: He's saying every bridge in the country. That's not a war… pic.twitter.com/WXX84pO6DL
Writer and analyst William Saletan noted Waltz made similar disturbing comments on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”
(Sources: ABC News, NBC News/The Bulwark)