Jeffries condemns 'Epic Fury', says Trump administration failed to justify strikes

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a sharp critique of the ongoing US military operations in Iran, stating that the Trump administration had “failed to provide any justification” for the strikes.

Speaking with CNN on Monday, March 2, Jeffries said that lawmakers had not been presented with intelligence indicating that Iran was preparing to attack the United States.

Jeffries argued that the rationale for such a significant military action was owed to the American people.

He said voters expected the government to focus on lowering costs at home rather than "getting involved in another endless war in the Middle East" that was "going to end in failure."

Hakeem Jeffries contrasts military spending with domestic priorities

Jeffries drew a contrast between defense spending and domestic economic priorities. He said the administration had allocated billions of dollars for military operations while failing to address rising living costs.

Referring to the current campaign as 'Operation Epic Fury', Jeffries questioned whether those resources could instead be directed toward economic relief for American families.

His remarks reflected broader Democratic concerns about balancing national security decisions with domestic policy priorities.

Hakeem Jeffries challenges president's war authority

The minority leader also raised constitutional questions about the president’s authority to initiate military action without a formal declaration of war. 

Citing Article I of the Constitution, Jeffries said the power to declare war “explicitly” rested only with Congress.

He noted that the framers were wary of concentrating war powers in a single executive, referencing historical concerns about unchecked authority.

Jeffries argued that bypassing Congress undermined the legislative safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized military engagements.

Lawmakers to force War Powers vote

Jeffries confirmed that House Democrats intend to push for a vote on a War Powers resolution aimed at reasserting congressional oversight of military action.

The proposed measure would require greater transparency and justification for continued operations in Iran.

He is scheduled to attend a “Gang of Eight” intelligence briefing later in the day, where he said he will seek additional information about the basis for the strikes.