Trump faces heat from Republicans and Democrats over Iran attack: 'A grave violation of the Constitution'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s decision to order coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities triggered fierce political fallout on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle accusing him of bypassing Congress and flirting with another foreign war, reports the New York Post.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, June 21, Trump confirmed that American forces had bombed nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, calling it a "very successful attack."

The president mentioned that all US aircraft had exited Iranian airspace and were “safely on their way home.”

Donald Trump’s Iran airstrikes spark bipartisan blowback and renew impeachment talk

Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) took to X (formerly Twitter) to deride Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran, writing, "The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers."

"He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment," the congresswoman added. 

On the other side of the aisle, Republican Rep Thomas Massie of Kentucky, known for occasionally breaking ranks with Trump, didn’t mince words, stating plainly, “This is not Constitutional.”

Rep Jim Himes (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, also took aim at Trump, accusing him of overstepping his presidential powers by ordering the strikes without consulting Congress.

He wrote on X, “According to the Constitution, we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.”

Himes is part of the influential Gang of Eight, a select group of congressional leaders that includes both parties’ top figures and senior members of the intelligence committees from the House and Senate.

Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats were blindsided by military action in Iran

According to sources familiar with internal briefings, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and other senior Republicans were informed of the operation in advance.

However, members of the Democratic leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), say they were left in the dark and are demanding to know why the military action was undertaken.

“The Trump administration bears the heavy burden of explaining to the American people why this military action was undertaken,” Jeffries said in a statement. 

“Congress must be fully and immediately briefed in a classified setting. Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action,” he added. 

On the opposing bench, figures like Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) and Sen Lindsey Graham (R-SC) rallied behind Trump’s decision.

“As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS. Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities. I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world,” Fetterman wrote on X.

Graham called the strike “the right call.” He added that the attack was justified and showcased the excellence of the American Air Force.

“Good. This was the right call. The regime deserves it. Well done. To my fellow citizens: We have the best Air Force in the world. It makes me so proud. Fly, Fight, Win,” his X post read. 

Rep Mike Lawler (R-NY) described the move as the “right decision.” He pointed out that, similar to actions taken by former president Barack Obama in countries like Libya, Syria, Pakistan, and Yemen, the strike was carried out under the authority of the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF).

“War has not been declared, however, a Nuclear Iran has been prevented. I fully support the President’s decision,” he wrote in an X post.