Democrats’ Outrage Over Trump’s Iran Strikes Ignores History of Presidential War Powers

Washington’s latest political theater is in full swing, with Democrats crying foul over President Trump’s military strikes on Iran, claiming he’s sidestepped Congress. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is leading the charge, demanding a vote under the War Powers Act and decrying Trump’s actions as reckless. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed the sentiment, calling the strikes unconstitutional.

Yet, this outrage feels like déjà vu. Democrats cheered or stayed silent when Presidents Obama and Clinton launched unilateral attacks in Libya and Sudan. Obama’s 2011 Libya campaign, which I challenged in court on behalf of Congress members, ignored the War Powers Act’s 60-day limit. Clinton’s 1998 missile strikes didn’t even pretend to seek congressional approval. The Constitution’s clear mandate for war declarations has been ignored since World War II, with over 125 military campaigns launched without formal approval.

The War Powers Act, meant to check presidential power, is a paper tiger. It requires notification to Congress within 48 hours of military action, which Trump reportedly provided. Presidents, from Jefferson battling Barbary Pirates to Obama in Syria, have leaned on their Article II authority to act unilaterally. Courts, like in Campbell v. Clinton, have shrugged off violations, calling them political matters.

Trump’s critics, including Schumer, conveniently forget their support for past Democratic presidents. Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, dismissed the need for congressional approval in 2011. Obama defied Congress outright in Syria after they refused authorization. Trump’s compliance with the War Powers Act so far gives him 60 days to act, plus a 30-day withdrawal period, before needing congressional approval—a timeline that’s historically been more suggestion than rule.

Impeachment talk is absurd here. The Framers intended clear lines for high crimes, not murky disputes over war powers. Democrats’ selective outrage smells of politics, not principle. If this escalates to global conflict, Congress will likely fall in line, as always. Until then, it’s just another act in the Capitol’s favorite drama: shock and awe over powers they’ve long let slide.