After striking Iran without broad consultation, Trump faces criticism from US Congress

Critics across party lines say the strikes may have bypassed Congress and violated constitutional norms.

By: Express Web Desk
June 23, 2025 10:43 AM IST

3 min read

Iranian officials have warned of retaliatory attacks following the US strikes, and concerns are growing about the safety of US personnel and regional stability. (Reuters pool photo via AP)

US President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites without full congressional consultation has widened existing rifts on Capitol Hill, raising sharp criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans. As per The Associated Press (AP), the Trump administration briefed top Republican leaders—including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune—prior to the operation. In contrast, Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries were only informed after the military strikes had begun.

Speaking to CNN, Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said:

“Bad enough that we weren’t informed… But unconstitutional that we didn’t have the opportunity to debate and speak… on one of the more consequential foreign policy things that this country has done in a long time.”

This uneven communication has deepened partisan tensions.

Constitutional and legal scrutiny

Critics argue that the strikes may have bypassed constitutional requirements by not seeking congressional approval.

Senator Mark Warner and others voiced concern, as per CNN, that the action lacked a clear legal basis and was executed without regard for intelligence community input.

Senator Tim Kaine is calling for a Senate war powers vote, aiming to reassert Congress’s constitutional role in authorising military action. Speaking to CBS, he said:

“Congress should be consulted… We were not.”

Also Read: | After strikes on Iran, US steps up evacuations, issues travel warnings in Middle East

According to NBC News, Senator Mark Kelly said:

“The president can act when there’s a clear and imminent threat… That wasn’t the case here.”

Some Democrats even called the action grounds for impeachment, while Republican lawmakers like Senator Lindsey Graham defended the strike:

“Congress can declare war or cut off funding. We can’t be the commander-in-chief.”
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced opposition to prolonged involvement in the Middle East, as per CNN. Representative Thomas Massie, a longtime non-interventionist, plans to push for a House vote limiting Trump’s military authority. Speaking to CBS, he said:

“We were tired of endless wars in the Middle East.”

Trump lashed out at Massie on social media, labeling him a “pathetic LOSER.”

Vance says US ‘not at war with Iran’

Iranian officials have warned of retaliatory attacks following the US strikes, and concerns are growing about the safety of US personnel and regional stability. Iran could disrupt vital commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a global chokepoint for oil transit.

US Vice President JD Vance, speaking to NBC, said:

“We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program.”

Vance also responded to criticism by the Congress, saying Trump had “clear authority to act to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

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Congress is now gearing up for a showdown over presidential war powers. Lawmakers are expected to debate—and potentially vote on—measures limiting Trump’s ability to launch further military operations without legislative approval.

(With inputs from AP, CNN, Reuters, NBC News)

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