During a ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally at a packed event in Tulsa, Sen. Bernie Sanders took issue with President Donald Trump’s unannounced strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. As the crowd chanted ‘No more wars,’ Sanders declared the action ‘alarming’ and ‘grossly unconstitutional,’ stressing that Congress alone has the authority to declare war. This criticism echoed bipartisan sentiments in Congress, where lawmakers have called for the War Powers Resolution to prevent future unilateral military actions by the executive branch.
The strike followed a series of Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, sparking concerns about regional stability. Trump’s announcement, posted on his Truth Social account, highlighted the success of the operation and called for ‘peace’ following the attacks. However, Sanders and others in Congress argued that the action violated the constitutional framework that empowers Congress to declare war. The event took place on Saturday, continuing Sanders’ ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, which targets Republican-held districts and underscores his campaign’s focus on opposing Trump’s policies.
As tensions escalated, Sanders reiterated his opposition to U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, particularly as the situation worsened following Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He characterized Netanyahu’s actions as a ‘violation of international law’ and likened the Israeli Prime Minister to a ‘war criminal,’ a stance that has marked his criticism of Israel’s policies in the region. Sanders’ remarks at the rally reflected both his opposition to military conflicts and his broader political strategy targeting Republican districts, as part of a larger effort to rally support for his campaign.
Joining Sanders at his rallies are other progressive figures, including Rep. Greg Casar and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who will participate in Texas events on Sunday. The rally also took place in House Speaker Mike Johnson’s hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, further signaling the strategic importance of these events in shaping the Democratic Party’s electoral strategy. With Trump’s strike on Iran generating further political heat, Sanders’ response highlighted his role as a leading voice against military escalation, aligning with the broader Democratic effort to counter Trump’s foreign policy agenda and advocate for peace in the region.