Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was addressing a crowd at a “Fighting Oligarchy” rally in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday night when the event was interrupted with news of President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement about U.S. military action in Iran. The scene unfolded as Sanders continued his rally, which was focused on holding back the influence of powerful interests and advocating for progressive reforms. In the midst of his speech, the rally was abruptly disrupted as an aide approached him with the latest developments from the White House.
Trump had just made a provocative announcement on Truth Social, declaring that the U.S. had conducted a successful operation against three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Sanders, known for his strong stance against wars that do not have congressional backing, took the message in silence, reading the statement directly to the crowd. The audience was visibly shaken, with chants of “No more wars!” echoing through the venue as they responded to the news.
“This is not only alarming, but so grossly unconstitutional,” Sanders told the crowd, emphasizing the constitutional principle that Congress holds the exclusive power to declare war. His words resonated with a crowd already wary of the U.S.’s involvement in overseas conflicts, and underscored the growing bipartisan sentiment that Trump’s actions without congressional approval could be a dangerous precedent. The message was amplified by a bipartisan War Powers Resolution introduced in the House of Representatives.
“The American people do not want more war, more death!” Sanders asserted, shifting the focus of the rally toward domestic priorities and the pressing needs of communities in Vermont and Oklahoma. As the rally progressed, Sanders maintained that the public should unite around a shared vision for America’s future, rather than being drawn into conflicts that have little relevance to their daily lives.
His comments align with broader concerns over U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iran. Sanders has consistently opposed the U.S. participation in Israel’s military actions, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership as a violation of international law. This stance is reflective of a larger political movement among Democrats to prioritize peace and diplomacy over military adventurism, especially in regions where civilian casualties have been significant.
As Sanders continues his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, his messages about the need for political engagement and the dangers of unchecked executive power have attracted a wide range of allies, from fellow Democrats to former House representatives like Beto O’Rourke and Representative Greg Casar. The rally also showcased the strategic importance of these events in reaching key demographics, particularly in deep red areas, as the political landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the 2024 election cycle.