Trump on Military Strikes: Past Approval Stance – Mother Jones
- President Donald Trump announced Saturday evening via social media that U.S.
- Members of Congress were notified around the same time as the public.
- As far back as March 2015, Trump stated to the New Hampshire Union Leader that presidents should "always" seek congressional approval before initiating military action.
Following President trump’s recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a heated debate erupts over congressional approval for military intervention.Historically, Trump advocated for seeking congressional authorization before initiating military action, a stance that now clashes with his actions. Democrats express concern over teh lack of consultation, citing potential escalation. The article delves into Trump’s past statements on congressional oversight, contrasting them with his current actions. The 1973 War Powers Resolution adds another layer to the complexity, mandating notification. delve into the schedules set for briefings. News Directory 3 highlights the developing situation, emphasizing the critical examination of presidential authority. Explore the evolving dynamics between the executive and legislative branches. Discover what’s next …
Trump Orders Strikes on Iran, Congress Authority Questioned
Updated June 22, 2025
President Donald Trump announced Saturday evening via social media that U.S. military forces had attacked Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, raising immediate concerns about potential nuclear war. The strikes on three sites, including Fordow, were confirmed in a Truth Social post.
Members of Congress were notified around the same time as the public. This has ignited a debate over the president’s authority to deploy armed forces without prior congressional consultation, a practice that, in theory, is expected.
As far back as March 2015, Trump stated to the New Hampshire Union Leader that presidents should “always” seek congressional approval before initiating military action. This position aligns with Article 1 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole power to declare war.
“I think we should always get authorization, and if something is right, you can get authorization and quickly,” Trump said in 2015. “Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, they want to see this country survive and do well. And I think you should get authorization.”
the 1973 War Powers Resolution mandates that presidents notify Congress within 48 hours of military action when war has not been declared. The resolution also requires military action to end within 60 days unless pre-authorized by Congress.
Democrats have voiced concerns about the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites without proper notification or consultation with Congress. According to the Associated Press, lawmakers have not received new intelligence regarding Iran’s nuclear program since march, when Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that the governance did not beleive Iran was developing nuclear weapons.
democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin stated, “Trump ran on no new wars, but now, mere months into his presidency, he’s ignoring the will of the American people and tempting full escalation without congressional approval.”
The Trump administration has scheduled a closed-door session with senators on Thursday, featuring CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.A similar briefing is planned for House members on Friday.
Rubio, like Trump, has previously emphasized the importance of Congress’s role in decisions regarding military force. In 2015, Rubio stated that while the commander-in-chief leads strategy with military officials, Congress has oversight and the power to authorize or defund actions.
What’s next
the upcoming congressional briefings are expected to address the rationale behind the strikes and the administration’s long-term strategy regarding Iran. The debate over presidential authority and congressional oversight is likely to continue.