WASHINGTON – The US Congress remains sharply divided over President Donald Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, with lawmakers split along party lines and raising serious concerns over constitutional authority.
Republican leaders largely supported the strikes, praising the attack as a necessary move to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch said Israel is a key ally and called the strike “for the good of the world,” while Senate Majority Leader John Thune simply stated, “I stand with President Trump.”
However, Democratic leaders strongly criticized the president for bypassing Congress. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of misleading the nation and acting without authorization. He warned that the president now “bears full responsibility” for any fallout from the conflict.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez went further, calling the strike a “grave violation” of the Constitution and “clear grounds for impeachment.” Similarly, Representative Rashida Tlaib said Trump’s actions reflect a “blatant disregard” for Congress and the American people’s desire to avoid another endless war.
Even within the GOP, some questioned the legality of the strike. Conservative Republican Thomas Massie said launching such an attack without a formal war declaration was “not constitutional,” echoing long-standing concerns about executive overreach in military decisions.
As debate intensifies, legal experts and advocacy groups are also weighing in. Many warn that the president’s move could set a dangerous precedent, and calls for restoring Congressional war powers are expected to grow louder in the coming days.