Michael Moore calls U.S. 'the bad guys' in Iran conflict

Documentary filmmaker and political commentator Michael Moore published a scathing critique on his Substack platform on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, directly accusing the United States of being the primary aggressor and "the bad guys" in its ongoing military conflict with Iran. His post, titled "The Apocalypse Is Here," was released hours before President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire, and it condemned both the Trump administration and Democratic leadership for their roles in escalating hostilities, framing the U.S. actions as an unjust war driven by a long history of interventionism. In his lengthy essay, Moore drew a direct line from the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh to the present crisis, arguing that decades of U.S. interference have fueled the current confrontation. He vehemently rejected the common political and media refrain of "why do they hate us?" asserting instead that the animosity originates from American actions. "Hate us?! They don't hate US! WE HATE THEM!" Moore wrote, characterizing Iran as "the cradle of one of the greatest civilizations this planet has ever seen" and accusing President Trump of threatening a "holocaust" against its people with his ultimatums over the Strait of Hormuz. Moore's condemnation extended beyond the Republican administration, launching a fierce attack on the Democratic Party for what he described as complicity and cowardice. He labeled Democrats a "failed opposition party" that not only watches the "horror" unfold but whose leadership "actually supports this war." He specifically cited Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's past taunts encouraging a more aggressive stance toward Iran. Calling for direct action, Moore urged U.S. military leaders to disobey "illegal and immoral orders," demanded the impeachment of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and advocated for the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office. His broadside landed just as President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire, contingent on Iran reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, citing diplomatic outreach from Pakistan and a 10-point proposal from Tehran as a basis for further negotiation.