Jeffries calls Iran conflict a 'war of choice,' says Trump must justify funding to Congress

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined on Sunday, March 8, to commit to blocking additional congressional funding for the war in Iran, saying Democrats would evaluate the issue if the Trump administration formally requests more money.

He said the White House has not yet provided sufficient justification for the military campaign. 

His remarks come as lawmakers anticipate the possibility of a supplemental defense funding request tied to the ongoing conflict. 

Jeffries made the comments during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” as Congress continues to debate the scope and cost of the US operation in Iran.

Jeffries questions Iran war, says funding comes later

When asked whether House Democrats would move to block a new funding request, Jeffries declined to make a commitment, saying lawmakers would address the issue if it arises.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Jeffries said.

He added that the administration has not yet made a convincing case for the military operation. Jeffries said the Trump administration has so far “failed to make its case ... for this war of choice in the Middle East,” adding that unless the president offers a “compelling rationale,” he is “going to have a difficult case to make on Capitol Hill.”

Congress last year approved a roughly $900 billion defense spending bill as part of its annual appropriations process, and Trump signed the measure into law in December.

However, the ongoing military campaign in Iran has prompted some lawmakers to consider whether additional funding will be required to support the operation.

Following a classified briefing for senators earlier this week, several lawmakers said they expect the administration may seek supplemental funding from Congress to support military efforts.

Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware,said he anticipates the Pentagon could request additional funds but said lawmakers should receive more detailed information about the war before making a decision.

“I expect that the Pentagon will come forward with a supplemental request for funding, and I will continue to support our troops,” Coons said. “But we need an open hearing, so that you and the American people can get questions answered about the failures in planning that led to some of the challenges, the losses and mistakes in this war so far."

Jeffries addresses DHS shutdown, Trump shakeup  

Jeffries also addressed the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which began in February after Senate Democrats blocked funding for the agency while pushing for policy changes related to immigration enforcement.  

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks at a news conference at the US Capitol on February 18, 2026, in Washington, DC. Jeffries spoke on the ongoing shutdown of the US Department of Homeland Security and the need for ICE oversight (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Jeffries also argued that the administration should explain its broader spending priorities to voters, criticizing the focus on military spending while economic concerns remain for many Americans.

“The American people don’t want to see billions of dollars being spent to bomb Iran and the Middle East, while at the same period of time, my Republican colleagues and this president are unwilling to spend a dime to lower their grocery bills, spend a dime to actually make it more affordable to go see a doctor or do anything about this affordability crisis that is very real in the United States of America,” he said.