House Democratic Rep. Jared Golden is one of the few left-wing lawmakers to publicly support President Donald Trump’s precision strikes on Iran, calling the actions necessary to deter a hostile regime. Golden emphasized the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program and its support for terrorist organizations. He also highlighted the need for Congress to address the situation, stating that the administration must use all available tools to defend Americans and prevent further escalation.
The decision to strike Iran came after the country launched missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar, prompting immediate concern for the safety of American personnel. Golden’s endorsement of Trump’s actions marks a rare departure from the broader Democratic Party, which has generally criticized the use of military force as a response to Iran’s aggression. Golden’s stance has been shaped by his own political inclinations, as he often takes positions that diverge from the mainstream of the party, particularly when it comes to issues like trade and national security.
The strikes were part of a larger operation known as Operation Midnight Hammer, which involved the use of B-2 stealth bombers to carry out the attacks. According to the White House, the strikes were successful in neutralizing Iran’s nuclear facilities, with Iranian officials reportedly acknowledging that the attacks had significantly disrupted their nuclear program. Trump claimed that the majority of the missiles launched in retaliation were intercepted, with only one missile heading in a nonthreatening direction. He expressed relief that no American lives were harmed and emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm stance against Iran’s hostile actions.
Golden’s statement also pointed to the need for a comprehensive understanding of the strikes’ impact, both in terms of the effectiveness of the operation and the potential consequences of Iran’s military response. He called for transparency from the administration regarding the information that influenced the decision to strike Iran, as well as the extent to which the attacks may have damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities. The House is expected to receive a briefing on the situation in Iran as part of its ongoing efforts to address the crisis and ensure that the United States is well-prepared to respond to any further threats from Iran.
The political implications of Golden’s support for Trump are significant, as it underscores the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party and the potential for further shifts in legislative priorities. Golden, who represents a district that Trump won by a significant margin, may be seen as a bridge between the party’s more progressive elements and the broader public’s concerns about national security. His endorsement of Trump’s actions may also signal a growing willingness within the Democratic Party to consider military responses to Iranian aggression, albeit in a limited capacity.
Despite the rare support from Golden and a few other lawmakers, the overall Democratic response to Trump’s strikes has remained largely critical, with many party members questioning the wisdom of using military force to counter Iranian actions. Golden’s stance reflects a broader trend among some members of the party to prioritize national security concerns over more liberal positions, but it also highlights the challenges faced by moderate Democrats in navigating the increasingly polarized political landscape of the United States.