“The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media shortly after the strikes were confirmed. “He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”
Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois issued a similar warning, stating, “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.” He added, “I’m not saying we have the votes to impeach. I’m saying that you DO NOT do this without Congressional approval.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also criticized the president’s actions, accusing him of bypassing Congress and risking further escalation in the Middle East.
“Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action,” Jeffries said.
Democrats have voiced concerns over the legality of the strike, while noting that past presidents have carried out similar actions without formal declarations of war. Military strikes in Libya, Sudan, and Pakistan under previous administrations were also conducted without direct congressional approval.
Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s decision during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. “First of all, the president has clear authority to act to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” Vance said. “The idea that this was outside of presidential authority, I think any real serious legal person would tell you that's not true.”
Republican lawmakers also pushed back against the impeachment rhetoric. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York dismissed the effort as politically motivated. “For my colleagues that are now demanding impeachment, it is absolutely absurd,” Lawler said on Fox and Friends. “Barack Obama attacked Libya, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen during his tenure and never once did they call for impeachment. So, these folks are truly reaching new levels of Trump derangement in the aftermath of yesterday's decision.”
