President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities has drawn bipartisan scrutiny, with lawmakers from both parties questioning whether the
move was constitutional.
While many Republicans supported the strikes, which Trump claimed "completely and totally obliterated" Iran’s enrichment sites, some GOP voices joined Democrats in raising alarms about the lack of congressional approval.
Constitutional Concerns from Both Sides
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), usually a Trump ally, expressed reservations. “While President Trump’s decision may prove just, it’s hard to conceive a rationale that’s Constitutional,” he said on X.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was more direct, declaring, “This is not Constitutional.” Massie introduced a bipartisan resolution aimed at blocking military action against Iran unless specifically authorized by Congress.
Trump Defends Strikes, Skips Legal Justification
Speaking briefly from the White House, Trump defended his actions but did not cite any legal authority for bypassing Congress.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), speaking at a rally in Tulsa, denounced the move as “grossly unconstitutional,” insisting only Congress can declare war. His comments were met with chants of “No more war!”
Democrats Raise Impeachment Talk
Some Democrats took their criticism further, suggesting the action could be grounds for impeachment.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) called the strikes “absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment,” labeling the attack a “grave violation of the Constitution.”
Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) echoed that sentiment, saying, “No president has the authority to bomb another country that does not pose an imminent threat to the US without the approval of Congress. This is an unambiguous impeachable offense.”
Republican Leaders Defend Trump
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended the president’s actions, claiming they were consistent with past military decisions made without full congressional approval. “The President fully respects the Article I power of Congress,” Johnson said, describing the strike as “necessary, limited, and targeted.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also backed Trump, indicating strong support among Republican leadership that could shield the president from serious political consequences.
Democratic Leadership Demands Accountability
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Trump for bypassing Congress but stopped short of calling the action illegal. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), however, said the strike was “unauthorized and unconstitutional.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) supported a resolution by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) requiring congressional approval for further military action against Iran. “No president should be allowed to unilaterally march this nation into something as consequential as war,” Schumer said, urging a Senate vote on the measure.
Cracks in Trump’s Base?
Appearing on MSNBC, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) — who co-authored the resolution with Massie — suggested Trump’s move could alienate parts of his base, many of whom supported his past anti-war positions.
“This is the first true crack in the MAGA base,” Khanna said, noting Trump’s rise in 2016 was in part due to his criticism of the Iraq War. Photo by Bjoertvedt, Wikimedia commons.
