Trump Wins Immediate Praise from Republicans in Congress After Announcing Strikes on Iran

President Trump received swift Republican support after announcing military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The strikes prompted praise from various lawmakers, with some Democrats also expressing approval. However, there are notable divisions in Congress about military action and constitutional authority concerning these strikes.

President Donald Trump garnered immediate praise from Republican leaders in Congress following his announcement of U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The announcement came on Saturday evening, with Trump declaring that American forces bombed three strategic sites in Iran. This decisive action, seen as a response to the Iranian regime, drew commendations from several lawmakers.

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina expressed his approval, stating, “Well done, President Trump,” while Texas Senator John Cornyn called the decision “courageous and correct.” Senator Katie Britt of Alabama characterized the strikes as “strong and surgical.” Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Senator Markwayne Mullin touted the principle of “America first, always,” encapsulating a common sentiment among his peers.

Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Roger Wicker, emphasized the strategic nature of the action, declaring Trump had made a “deliberate — and correct — decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.” He also acknowledged the need for future security measures for Americans and allies, indicating a broad consensus among Republicans regarding the strikes.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also voiced support, confirming his alignment with Trump by saying, “as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.” Thune, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, had received briefings prior to the military action, suggesting a unified front among the GOP leadership.

Johnson claimed in a statement that the operations signal a firm message to both adversaries and allies, reinforcing Trump’s commitment to his stance. Meanwhile, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford expressed gratitude for the precision of the strikes, recognizing the efforts of U.S. servicemembers involved.

Interestingly, Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, broke from party lines, endorsing the strike. He stated, “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.” His support highlights some cross-party agreement in the wake of Trump’s decision.

However, divisions persist within both parties regarding military action in Iran. Republican Representative Thomas Massie voiced his opposition on X, asserting that the move was not Constitutional. Democrats, too, have raised concerns, with some arguing for a greater say in military decisions. Notably, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has proposed a resolution requiring congressional approval for military action against Iran.

Connecticut Representative Jim Himes criticized the situation, expressing the view that attention to constitutional duties regarding military intervention should precede such bombings, stating, “According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.” Such remarks indicate that while some lawmakers support Trump’s strikes, significant pushback remains regarding the role of Congress in military engagements.

In summary, President Trump’s announcement of military strikes in Iran prompted rallying support from many Republican lawmakers, who praised the decisive action against what they perceive as a threat. However, there remains a notable division among politicians, particularly among Democrats and some Republicans who assert that Congress should have a more significant role in such military decisions. Ultimately, this situation may redefine congressional oversight of military engagement moving forward.

Original Source: apnews.com