Congressional Leaders React to Trump’s Strike Order on Iran

Congressional leaders responded to President Trump’s order for strikes on Iranian nuclear sites with mixed reactions. Some Republicans praised the action while Democrats questioned its legality and the president’s authority. This highlights ongoing tensions regarding military intervention without Congressional consent.

Congressional leaders reacted with a mix of praise and skepticism Saturday evening following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a military strike against three Iranian nuclear sites. While many Republicans lauded the decision, some Democrats raised concerns about the legality of such an action without Congressional approval.

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, known for his strong support for Israel, stated on social media shortly after Trump’s announcement that it was indeed “the right call.” He emphasized, “The regime deserves it. Well done, President @realDonaldTrump.” He took pride in the strength of the U.S. Air Force, affirming his support for the military action.

On the other hand, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed his discontent during a public event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he read Trump’s announcement. The crowd responded with boos as he declared the move not only alarming but also a violation of the Constitution, asserting, “the only entity that can take this country to war is the U.S. Congress. The president does not have the right.”

Republican Representative Rick Crawford, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, revealed that he had communicated with the president prior to the attack. He acknowledged the dire situation with Iran but remarked, “I am thankful President Trump understood that the red line — articulated by Presidents of both parties for decades — was real.”

However, not all Republicans supported the attack. Representative Tom Massie of Kentucky voiced his concern about the president’s authority to initiate such a strike without Congressional consent, stating, “This is not constitutional.” Similarly, Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut highlighted the need for legislative consent, emphasizing, “According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.”

In a call for swift action, Representative Ro Khanna of California urged fellow lawmakers to return to Washington to vote on a War Powers Resolution aimed at preventing further military involvement in the Middle East. “We need to immediately return to DC and vote,” he insisted in a social media post.

House Speaker Mike Johnson was briefed on the strikes and had earlier planned to visit Israel the next day. That trip was canceled due to the escalating conflict. Johnson later endorsed the strikes, labeling them a “decisive” action against terrorism.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also received a briefing regarding the attack. Senator John Barrasso from Wyoming supported Trump’s decision, asserting that the greatest threat to U.S. safety is Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities. He shared, “God Bless our troops.”

Additionally, Senator John Cornyn of Texas praised Trump’s actions, calling the strike a courageous decision. In his view, it showcased effective leadership, stating, “This is what leadership on the world stage looks like.”

Conversely, Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania voiced his agreement with Trump’s actions, labeling Iran as a leading sponsor of terrorism and endorsing the military’s intervention, “I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world.”

This is an evolving situation, and further updates are expected as reactions continue to unfold.

The reactions from Congressional leaders to President Trump’s approval of military strikes in Iran showcase a stark divide between party lines. While many Republicans endorsed the move as a necessary action against a nuclear threat, Democrats raised serious constitutional concerns regarding the authority to initiate such military action without Congressional approval. As the situation develops, the dialogue around executive power in military engagements is only growing more crucial.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com