Democratic lawmakers largely criticised Donald Trump’s decision on Saturday, questioning why the US president did not get congressional authorisation before taking action against Iran.
“President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorisation for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
He called for Congress to be “briefed in a classified setting” on the decision, adding: “Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action.”
Most Democrats echoed Jeffries’ sentiment, with the notable exception of Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman, a staunch defender of Israel and an Iran hawk.
He said in a post on X that Trump had made the “correct move”, adding: “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.”
