President Donald Trump’s surprise attack on Iranian nuclear strongholds has sparked debate over presidential war powers and whether Congress was adequately informed before the strike. The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973, grants presidents the ability to carry out certain military actions without congressional approval, but also limits their power.
Under the resolution, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of any military action, and armed forces are not allowed to remain in a region for more than 60 days without approval. However, some lawmakers argue that Trump’s actions may have violated these guidelines.
Congress has not formally declared war since World War II, instead allowing presidents to initiate or escalate conflicts through executive action. Democrats point out that the Trump administration had exhausted all other options before using military force and whether Iran posed an imminent threat to justify the strike.
Trump’s allies argue that depleting Iran’s nuclear program advances national interests by increasing America’s safety. However, some lawmakers, including Sen. Mark Kelly, acknowledge that a clear and imminent threat is necessary for the commander in chief to act.
Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna have introduced a resolution to revoke presidential war powers and redirect declaring war back to Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed limited enthusiasm for the measure, citing a lack of review.
Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense/3450758/iran-war-powers-trump-when-can-he-use-them