Trump sparks debate on presidential authority through Iran strike and wins Republican praise

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s bombing of three Iran locations has prompted Congressional debate over its power to strike, with Republicans praising Trump for taking decisive action even as many Democrats warned him that he should seek Congress’ approval.

“Good job, President Trump,” South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham posted on Alabama Sen. Katie Britt on X. Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, calling the explosive “powerful and surgical.” Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Trump “has made a deliberate, right decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.”

The U.S. Congress’s Immediate Division reflects an already spinning debate about the president’s ability to take such corresponding actions without the authorization of the House and Senate to use military power. While Trump is hardly the first U.S. president to go alone, his widespread use of presidential power has sparked immediate questions about what happened next and whether he is beyond his authority limits.

“This is a lot of gamble by President Trump, and no one knows if that will pay off,” said Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Forces Committee.

Democrats and some Republicans say the strike is unconstitutional and asks for more information in a confidential environment. New York's Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he received a “perfunctory notice” without any details.

“The president shall not be allowed to unilaterally bring this country into things like the threat of instability and no strategy,” Schumer said in a statement. “In the face of Iran's ruthless terrorist movement, the movement of nuclear ambitions and regional aggression requires strength, determination and strategic clarity.”

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Trump “misleads the country’s intentions, fails to seek congressional mandate to harness military power and risk American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East.”

After Trump publicly considered a strike within days, the rapid recognition of the Republican Party that has stepped up our participation is in Iran, and many congressional Republicans have cautiously said they think he will make the right decision. The party's split on Iran could make Republican efforts to exacerbate the Pentagon spending in Trump's “big and beautiful” tax break bills make the Pentagon spending part, which will vote quickly next week.

“Now, we have a very serious choice to provide security for our citizens and our allies,” Wicker posted on X.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune both briefed the strike before Saturday’s strike, according to people familiar with the matter. “I stand with President Trump and pray for the U.S. military and personnel in a dangerous way as we take action tonight to ensure that nuclear weapons are out of reach for Iran.”

In a statement, Johnson said the military operation “should be a clear reminder of our opponents and allies that President Trump means what he said.”

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford said he also stayed in touch with the White House, “I thank the American servicemen for these precise and successful strikes.”

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who was separated from Israel's outspoken supporter, also praised the attack on Iran. “It's the right move for @potus, as I've been insisting for a long time,” he said. “Iran is the world's leading terrorism sponsor and cannot have nuclear capabilities.”

Both sides have seen prospects for strikes in Iran in recent days, including Trump’s most ardent supporters, criticism of the “forever war” of the United States. “While President Trump's decision may prove fair, it's hard to conceive a reason for the Constitution,” said Rep. Warren Davidson, a Republican of Ohio.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a longtime opponent of our involvement in foreign wars, also posted on X that “This is not constitutional.”

“It’s not our struggle,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican of Georgia.

Most Democrats insist that Congress should have a say, even if both presidents ignore the constitutional authority of the legislative branch. The Senate was originally scheduled to vote on Virginia Senator Tim Kaine's resolution, which would require Congressional approval before declaring wars or specific military action in the United States.

Kane said the explosion was a “terrible trial.”

“I will push all the senators to vote on whether they participate in the third Idiot Middle East War,” Kane said.

Democratic Rep. Greg Casar, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, also called on Congress to pass the war power resolution immediately. He said politicians have been promised, “New wars in the Middle East will become quick and easy.”

“Then they sent other people's children to fight and die endlessly,” Casar said. “Enough.”