Members of the congressional ‘Squad’ have erupted in fury over President Donald Trump’s recent missile strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, condemning the action as a constitutional violation and a potential ground for impeachment. The progressive group, composed of Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Delia Ramirez, and others, have argued that Trump’s unilateral decision to launch the strikes without congressional approval undermines the separation of powers and risks further entangling the United States in a prolonged war with Iran.
President Trump’s order to strike Iranian nuclear sites late Saturday has drawn sharp criticism from the Squad, with Tlaib being the most vocal. She accused Trump of prioritizing war over the will of the American people and criticized the president for relying on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tlaib asserted that Congress must act immediately to enforce its war powers and prevent an unconstitutional escalation of hostilities, emphasizing that the country is at risk of ‘endless war.’ She also echoed the sentiments of right-wing Rep. Thomas Massie, who described the action as not constitutional.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another prominent member of the Squad, called Trump’s decision ‘disastrous’ and a ‘grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.’ She claimed that such an action by the president sets a precedent that could lead to future impeachment if similar unlawful decisions are made. Ocasio-Cortez further warned that Trump’s impulsive approach risks launching a war that may ensnare the United States for generations.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, though not a formal member of the Squad, joined the chorus of criticism, accusing Trump of recklessly escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. She emphasized that Congress must prioritize the War Powers Resolution, a legislative tool aimed at curbing executive authority in foreign conflicts. Omar also referenced former President Bill Clinton’s comments to Trump, urging him to ‘diffuse’ the situation and acknowledging that Netanyahu has long sought to confront Iran.
Other Squad members, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Summer Lee, echoed these concerns, with Lee specifically lambasting Trump as a ‘hypocritical anti-war president’ who is ‘acting fully outside of his authority.’ The group’s unified stance reflects a deepening divide in American politics, with progressive lawmakers advocating for a more restrained approach to military intervention and emphasizing the importance of constitutional checks on executive power.
In a related development, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, countered the Squad’s criticism, asserting that courts have previously ruled that the War Powers Act pertains to the deployment of troops rather than unilateral missile strikes. Mullin argued that Trump’s actions were necessary to protect American interests and maintain national security, aligning with the views of many Republicans who support a strong executive branch in matters of defense.