U.S. forces have carried out strikes on Iran, a move ordered by the president without prior congressional authorization, drawing sharp criticism from the top House Democrat.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the decision marked a departure from diplomacy and raised concerns about the safety of U.S. troops in the region.

“Donald Trump failed to seek Congressional authorization prior to striking Iran. Instead, the President’s decision to abandon diplomacy and launch a massive military attack has left American troops vulnerable to Iran’s retaliatory actions. We pray for the safety of the men and women of the U.S. military as they have been put into harm’s way in a dangerous theater of war,” said Jeffries.

LIVE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (IRAN)

Jeffries also questioned the administration’s rationale for the latest military action, pointing to previous claims about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“If Iran’s nuclear program, as stated by Trump was “completely and totally obliterated” by the military strikes in June 2025, “, there should be no need to strike them now.”

He further noted that the president did not follow the War Powers Resolution introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, which calls for the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran absent congressional authorization.

“The Trump administration must explain itself to the American people and Congress immediately, provide an ironclad justification for this act of war, clearly define the national security objective and articulate a plan to avoid another costly, prolonged military quagmire in the Middle East,” stated Jeffries.

Separately, President Donald Trump described the U.S. military campaign as “massive and ongoing,” against Iran. He also called on Iranians to “take over your government,” signaling support for regime change.

read also

Trump Has the Best Halloween Costume of All

In Washington, there is a fine art to knowing someone without ever quite getting to know them. A little like Up in the Air, where intimacy flourishes at 30,000 feet, only to evaporate the moment the plane touches down. Back on solid ground, you are practically strangers. Which brings me to Halloween, that one glorious occasion…

Keep reading

Trump’s Day in Office: October 29, 2026

8:00 AM President Trump participates in Executive Time. President Trump departs the White House en route to Rock Hill, South Carolina. President Trump arrives in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 12:30 PM President Trump delivers remarks. President Trump departs Rock Hill, South Carolina, en route to the White House. President Trump arrives at the White House. 5:30 PM President…

Keep reading

Trump’s Day in Office: October 28, 2026

8:00 AM President Trump participates in Executive Time. 11:00 AM President Trump receives his Intelligence Briefing. 12:30 PM President Trump participates in a Policy Meeting. 1:30 PM President Trump greets the Artemis III Crew. 2:00 PM President Trump participates in a Policy Meeting. 3:30 PM President Trump participates in Signing Time. President Trump departs the White House en route to Chillicothe,…

Keep reading

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Pavlovic Today. Credentialed at the White House, the U.S. Senate Press Gallery and the State Department. Pavlovic was a Teaching Fellow and Doctoral Fellow in the Political...