Washington: President Donald Trump’s announcement of US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites has triggered a storm of political reactions in Washington, with lawmakers divided sharply along, and sometimes across, party lines. While some hailed it as a decisive show of strength, others called it an unconstitutional overreach that could drag the US into a long and dangerous war.
The strikes, which Trump said targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, were described by him as a “spectacular military success.” However, it received criticism from both Democrats, and a few Republicans.
Democrats Condemn Strike as Unauthorised
Democratic Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “Trump’s decision to bomb Iran without Congressional authorisation is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.” She added that the president “has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations,” calling it “grounds for impeachment.”
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded an immediate classified briefing, accusing Trump of misleading the country and bypassing Congress. “President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorisation for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East,” he said.
Senator Bernie Sanders also took aim at Trump’s actions, calling the strikes “so grossly unconstitutional,” and reminding a rally crowd that “the only entity that can take this country to war is the US Congress.”
Republicans Split, With Some Applauding 'Precision' and Others Raising Legal Alarm
Support from Republican lawmakers was vocal, though not unanimous. Senator Lindsey Graham called the strikes “the right call,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson said they sent a clear message, “President Trump has been consistent and clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated.”
Senator Ted Cruz praised the targeting of Fordow, saying the operation “has gone far in foreclosing the possibility” of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Yet others, like Rep Thomas Massie, disagreed. He labelled the strikes “not constitutional” and has introduced legislation to restrict US involvement. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene also broke ranks, posting, “This is not our fight.”
