While many in Donald Trump’s base praised his decision to launch airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, at least one prominent Republican lawmaker is calling the move unlawful.
“This is not constitutional,” wrote Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) in a post on X, shortly after the former president announced a “very successful attack” on sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Massie has previously clashed with Trump—who once called for his removal from office over opposition to a major spending bill—and has repeatedly warned against unauthorized military action.
“This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution,” Massie said last week while urging passage of a War Powers Resolution that would limit the president’s ability to take unilateral military action.
Despite Massie’s criticism, several top Republicans and conservative figures quickly rallied behind Trump.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) praised the operation, writing, “Our commander-in-chief has made a deliberate—and correct—decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime. Well done to our military personnel.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a vocal supporter of aggressive U.S. foreign policy, celebrated the news: “Good. This was the right call. The regime deserves it. Well done, President Trump. Fly, Fight, Win.”
Other conservatives echoed similar support. Fox News contributor Scott Jennings, currently in Israel, wrote, “The Commander-in-Chief made a righteous decision. Well done, sir.” House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) thanked U.S. forces and said he was “grateful” for their successful mission.
But the strikes have deepened divides within the GOP. Critics like Massie—alongside figures such as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon—warned of another costly entanglement in the Middle East. Trump’s move also drew fire from Democrats.
Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) said, “No president has the authority to bomb another country that does not pose an imminent threat to the U.S. without the approval of Congress. This is an unambiguous impeachable offense.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also denounced the action, calling it a “grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.”
“He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment,” she wrote on X.
The controversy erupted after Trump took to social media Saturday night, announcing that U.S. planes had carried out a coordinated bombing campaign targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. While he did not specify whether the military used so-called “bunker buster” munitions, Trump confirmed B-2 stealth bombers were involved and stated that the planes had successfully exited Iranian airspace.
“Congratulations to our great American warriors. There is not another military in the world that could have done this,” Trump wrote, later calling the event a “historic moment” and saying he would address the nation at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.
House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump’s decision, claiming that the president had exhausted diplomatic avenues.
“President Trump has been consistent and clear that a nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated,” Johnson said. “That posture has now been enforced with strength, precision, and clarity.”
Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA), a newly elected lawmaker, also praised the airstrikes, saying they were a result of Iran’s refusal to negotiate: “President Trump showed a commitment to peace—and resolve when necessary.”
The strike follows weeks of escalating tensions after Israel initiated airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. With Trump’s decision to directly involve U.S. forces, fears are mounting about a broader regional conflict—and a fresh round of legal and political battles at home.
