Dan Bilzerian, the poker player and social media personality known as the “King of Instagram,” stirred controversy online after expressing support for Iran’s recent attacks on Israel. Bilzerian, who has previously questioned mainstream historical accounts of the Holocaust, has long been critical of Israeli policy.
The online figure took to his social channels — where he has tens of millions of followers — to applaud Iran’s retaliation following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strike on Iranian facilities, which Israel claimed were linked to nuclear weapons development.
Human rights groups report that more than 700 people in Iran have been killed since Israel launched its “Operation Rising Lion” campaign. Iran has reportedly fired over 450 missiles at Israel in response.
Bilzerian Applauds Retaliation
As Israeli civilians take cover amid escalating conflict, Bilzerian said he welcomed the Iranian response.
“I love that Israel is getting f****d up,” he wrote on X, where he has more than two million followers. “It’s like watching a long movie of a bully picking on defenseless people and finally getting what’s coming at the end.”
After the U.S. launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear development sites — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — Bilzerian criticized former President Donald Trump, accusing him of being too closely aligned with Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Bilzerian suggested Trump was influenced by political donors, including Dr. Miriam Adelson, the Las Vegas Sands casino billionaire whose wealth is frequently used to support pro-Israel causes.
Trump Defends Intervention
Trump addressed the strikes from the White House, saying Iran had provoked the situation for decades.
“There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran,” Trump said. “For 40 years, Iran has been saying ‘death to America’ and ‘death to Israel.’ I decided a long time ago that I would not let this continue.”
His actions contradict previous campaign promises to avoid new wars in the Middle East, including statements made during his 2024 run that he would not engage in “stupid wars.”
Debate Over Presidential Authority
Critics — including Democrats and some Republicans — argue Trump may have exceeded his constitutional authority by ordering the strikes without congressional approval. Though the president can act to defend the country, only Congress can formally declare war.
On prediction market Kalshi, political bettors currently give Trump a 48% chance of facing another impeachment — up nearly 3% over the past week.
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