“Blatant violation of our Constitution”: Donald Trump faces the reaction of Congress after Iran strikes

A surprise U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend has unleashed a storm of condemnation – and some praise – on Capitol Hill, laying bare the deep divisions over war powers, U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Donald Trump’s aggressive foreign policy instincts.

The strikes, ordered by President Trump early Sunday, targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in what the administration called a preemptive move to prevent the regime from acquiring a nuclear weapon. But Trump’s decision – made without congressional approval – has enraged many in Congress, including several high-profile figures from both parties.

What powers does the president have to launch strikes?

That question is front and center. Critics argue that Trump bypassed the Constitution, which gives Congress – not the president - the authority to declare war. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky put it bluntly on social media: “This is not constitutional.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and Trump ally, defended the move, arguing Iran had repeatedly refused to negotiate on disarmament. “The president’s decisive action,” he said, “prevents the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism… from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet.”

Democrats were far less forgiving. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Trump “misled the country,” bypassed Congress, and now bears “complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences” that may follow.

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Is this the start of another forever war?

Some Republicans say no. “This is not the start of a forever war,” said Senator Jim Risch of Idaho. “There will not be American boots on the ground in Iran.” Still, he acknowledged the operation supports a key U.S. ally: “This war is Israel’s war, not our war, but Israel is one of our strongest allies.”

But Democratic voices warned that Trump’s action could easily spiral into prolonged conflict, similar to what followed the invasion of Iraq. Representative Rashida Tlaib, whose family is from Palestine, called the strikes “a blatant violation of our Constitution,” and warned, “The American people do not want another forever war.”

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, a longtime critic of unauthorized military action, said Trump had shown “horrible judgment,” while former Congressman Max Rose, now with the veterans group VoteVets, labeled the strikes “illegal.” He added: “This conflict is his.”

Calls for impeachment resurface

The backlash quickly escalated into constitutional alarm. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez didn’t mince words, declaring Trump’s move “clearly grounds for impeachment.” She slammed the decision as impulsive and warned it may lead to “a war that may ensnare us for generations.”

Even some Republicans sounded cautious. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi applauded the strikes but warned of “very serious choices ahead” for the U.S.

What comes next?

Trump has not addressed Congress directly since the strikes but insists Iran’s leaders were given multiple chances to reach a disarmament deal. As lawmakers brace for potential retaliation from Tehran, the debate on Capitol Hill is shifting rapidly from what happened to what authority the president actually has – and what consequences might follow if he keeps acting alone.

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