Several Democrats came out on Sunday following President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities not with praise for the reported success of the U.S. military but with claims that the commander-in-chief violated the Constitution.
That includes Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, despite long-standing executive authority to respond to threats under the War Powers Resolution and the fact that Democratic presidents like Barack Obama routinely struck targets of real and presumed U.S. enemies.
In a statement released in response to the operation, Himes claimed that “Trump’s decision to launch direct military action against Iran without Congressional approval is a clear violation of the Constitution.” He then cast doubt on the success of the mission by adding: “It is impossible to know at this stage whether this operation accomplished its objectives.”
His skepticism highlighted a broader sense of unease among Democrats regarding U.S. involvement in the region, even when aimed at preventing future threats. “We also don’t know if this will lead to further escalation in the region and attacks against our forces,” he claimed.
“Trump is acting fully outside of his authority and is once again trampling on the Constitution. This is an illegal and terrifying escalation. Dropping bombs on Iran brings us closer to war, not peace, and he is putting millions of lives at stake,” added Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.). “Congress must immediately pass our War Powers Resolution to rein him in.”
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, presidents are legally permitted to order limited military action without Congressional approval, allowing the use of force for up to 60 days to address imminent threats or protect U.S. personnel.
Himes’ comments come despite Iran’s well-documented nuclear ambitions, ongoing enrichment activities in defiance of international agreements, and its support for proxy militias and attacks on American forces across the region.
The recent strike targeted critical nuclear infrastructure, including Iran’s underground enrichment facility at Fordow, its main uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, and missile-linked nuclear assets near Esfahan. President Trump hailed the operation as a “very successful attack,” adding, “Now is the time for peace.”
