‘Grossly unconstitutional': Democrats slam Donald Trump after US strikes on Iran; some call for impeachment
US President
Donald Trump
is facing a wave of outrage from angry Democrats, with several calling for his impeachment following his decision to bomb Iran's top nuclear facilities.
Lawmakers from the left denounced the strikes as unconstitutional and a dangerous overreach of presidential power, reports the New York Post.
'The President's disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorisation is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,' said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). 'He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.'
The strikes took place on Saturday, targeting Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities.
Trump later confirmed that American aircraft had safely returned from the mission. 'Now is the time for peace,' he said, calling the operation a success.
But the reaction from Capitol Hill was swift and fierce. Critics across the political spectrum condemned the move, with many pointing out the lack of Congressional approval. Thomas Massie, known for occasionally breaking ranks with Trump, said, 'This is not Constitutional.'
Jim Himes, a top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, voiced anger over not being informed in advance. 'According to the Constitution, we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop,' he posted on X.
House Speaker Mike
Johnson
and some Republican leaders were briefed ahead of time, reports the Post. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the lack of transparency.
'Trump administration bears the heavy burden of explaining to the American people why this military action was undertaken,' he said, adding that 'Congress must be fully and immediately briefed in a classified setting.'
Senator Bernie Sanders called the action 'grossly unconstitutional,' while Sean Casten labelled it an 'unambiguous impeachable offence.'
However, not all lawmakers opposed the move. Some praised Trump's decision.
'Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities,' said Senator John Fetterman. 'This was the correct move.'
Republican senator Lindsey Graham said: 'Good. This was the right call. The regime deserves it. Well done."
New York Representative Mike Lawler also called it the 'right decision.'
'War has not been declared, however, a Nuclear Iran has been prevented. I fully support the President's decision," Lawler said.
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