As Trump launched the attack on Iran without congressional approval, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president monitored the operation alongside his national security team and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Leavitt said President Donald Trump remained actively engaged overnight as the situation unfolded, monitoring developments from Mar-a-Lago with his national security team and speaking directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar a Lago alongside members of his national security team. The President spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone.”
She added that senior administration officials briefed congressional leadership ahead of the strikes, though not all members were reached.
“Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members,” she stated on X.
However, the outreach described by Leavitt does not amount to seeking congressional authorization for military action.
Leavitt said the president and his team will remain focused on developments as the situation continues.
“The President and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day.”
The White House also pushed back on reports that Trump would deliver another address to the nation Saturday morning.
“This reporting was inaccurate, the White House has not given any guidance on an address or remarks today.”
The White House has not announced any changes to the president’s public schedule, and no additional updates were immediately available.
The military action marks a significant escalation in the region, with U.S. and Israeli forces launching large-scale strikes on Iranian targets and prompting retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, particularly over the lack of congressional authorization.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the president’s decision marked a break from diplomatic efforts and raised concerns about potential retaliation against U.S. forces.
“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.
Jeffries also questioned the administration’s rationale for the latest military action.
“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 added that the administration must provide clarity on its objectives.
“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.
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