Trump’s Strike On Iran Draws Mixed Reactions From U.S. Lawmakers
Topline
President Donald Trump’s decision to conduct a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities drew mixed reactions in Washington on Saturday night, as several Democratic lawmakers and at least one Republican condemned the military action, while prominent GOP hawks and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman praised the move and criticized Iran.
President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Key Facts
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., criticized the presidentsaying he “has failed to deliver” on his promise to “bring peace to the Middle East,” and “risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dn.y., described the strikes as a “disastrous decision” and a “grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,” adding that this was “clearly grounds for impeachment.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who tried to push a resolution in Congress last week to curb Trump’s ability to join the conflict, tweeted: “This is not Constitutional.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a vocal Trump supporter who has pushed against U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, wrote on X: “Let us join together and pray for the safety of our U.S. troops and Americans in the Middle East…Let us pray that we are not attacked by terrorists on our homeland.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the strikes were “alarming” and “grossly unconstitutional,” while addressing a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the crowd chanted “No more wars.”
Which Lawmakers Have Praised Trump’s Decision To Strike Iran?
Sen. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said: “As we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., reshared Trump’s announcement on X and wrote: “This was the right call. The regime deserves it. Well done, President Trump.” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, commended Trump and the military for the operation and said: “As long as Iran was able to access and conduct activities at Fordow, they could still rush to build a nuclear arsenal. Tonight’s actions have gone far in foreclosing that possibility, and countering the apocalyptic threat posed by an Iranian nuclear arsenal.” Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who has been a vocal supporter of Israel, tweeted the bombing was “the correct move” and added: “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities. I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world.”
How Have International Leaders Reacted To The Strikes On Iran?
In a post on XUN Secretary-General António Guterres wrote: “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security…I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.”
