Trump Bypasses Congress on Military Action... Republicans Also Criticize as "Unconstitutional"

Only Some Republicans Briefed... Democrats Call It "Horrible Judgment"

Amid President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, a heated debate has erupted over the fact that he did not seek approval from the U.S. Congress.

President Trump watched the scene of a U.S. B-2 stealth bomber dropping a bunker buster on the Fordow Iranian nuclear facility while wearing a red hat with the phrase "MAGA (Make America Great Again)" and a red tie. White House

On June 21 (local time), the Associated Press reported that President Trump's decision has reignited the long-standing debate over whether the U.S. government can take such a significant military action without congressional approval. U.S. media added that, prior to the airstrike on Iran, the Trump administration briefed only key Republican figures about the attack plan and did not inform Democratic leaders, who would typically receive such information as well. Some Republican lawmakers praised the strike as a decisive action, but not only Democrats but also some Republicans criticized the move, arguing that congressional approval should have been obtained for any overseas military action.

Foreign media noted that while President Trump is not the first U.S. president to carry out military action unilaterally, this airstrike against Iran has raised questions about whether it exceeds presidential authority, especially given the unpredictable consequences that may follow. The U.S. Constitution also stipulates that Congress holds the power to declare war. However, in practice, there have been instances where presidents, as commanders-in-chief, have launched military operations without congressional approval.

Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia), a Democrat, called the airstrike on Iran a "horrible judgment" and emphasized, "I will urge every senator to vote on whether they support this foolish third war in the Middle East." Senator Kaine had previously introduced a resolution requiring congressional approval before the U.S. could declare war on Iran or undertake specific military actions, and a Senate vote on this resolution was pending.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (New York) stated that he received only a "perfunctory notification" without any substantive details about the military action. He said, "No president should unilaterally push this country into abnormal threats or wars without a strategy," and added, "Confronting Iran requires strength, resolve, and strategic clarity."

Additionally, it was reported that Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic House Leader and a member of the 'Gang of Eight' that is typically briefed on key national security matters, as well as Jim Himes, the Democratic ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, did not receive related information. Senator Jack Reed (Rhode Island), the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the attack, saying, "This was an enormous gamble by President Trump," and added, "No one yet knows what the outcome will be."

Some Republican lawmakers also raised concerns about the constitutionality of the strike on Iran. Representative Thomas Massie (Kentucky), a Republican who has long opposed U.S. involvement in overseas wars, criticized the airstrike as "unconstitutional." Even Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia), a Republican considered a staunch Trump loyalist, voiced opposition, saying, "This is not our fight."

The Associated Press predicted that the division within the Republican Party over the Iran airstrike could affect President Trump's push to increase defense spending as part of his major tax cut legislation. This bill includes a national security package totaling $350 billion and is scheduled for a congressional vote soon.