If President Trump can bypass Congress for military actions, does the Constitution even matter anymore?
At a Glance
- Senator Chris Murphy criticized Trump’s strikes on Iran as illegal without Congress’s nod.
- Murphy avoided stating whether Trump should face impeachment.
- War Powers Resolution necessitates Congress’s consent for military actions.
- The Senate voted against requiring Trump to seek further Congressional approval.
Murphy Calls Out Trump’s Military Actions
In a sharp critique, Senator Chris Murphy declared President Trump’s targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities as “illegal” due to bypassing Congress. Murphy emphasized how crucial it is for acts of war to get legislative consent, according to the War Powers Resolution, which insists on congressional authorization, a declaration of war, or a national emergency to justify military force.
🇺🇸 SEN. MURPHY: TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES "ILLEGAL"
Sen. Chris Murphy says Trump's military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were "clearly illegal" and done without congressional approval.
Pressed on whether Trump should be impeached:
"That's a decision the House makes. That's not… https://t.co/IA1SwiNDBa pic.twitter.com/Aw5OJLXSqx
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 29, 2025
Watch a report: ‘It is clear that this is illegal’ Sen. Murphy reacts to Iran attack
It’s alarming to see the precedent being set here, folks. You may hate the endless red tape of the government, but they have these checks and balances for a reason—to prevent any President from single-handedly making wartime decisions that could sink us into long-lasting conflicts without congressional debate or approval. Leaving Congress out of the loop undermines the Constitution itself.
Debating Impeachment
Murphy dodged the impeachment question, asserting, “That’s a decision the House makes. That’s not a decision the Senate makes. But it is clear that this is illegal.” Comparing Trump’s conduct in this term to his prior impeachment reasons, Murphy argued Trump’s actions now appear to be “much worse, much more lawless, and much more unconstitutional.”
The ball’s already rolling with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s alerts about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Diplomacy should be the primary goal. Senators voting against further congressional approval for military action against Iran are clearly not steering us toward stability.
Where Are We Heading?
Intelligence reports contradict Trump’s claims that strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites. Instead, these assessments suggest limited impact, and without addressing the underlying nuclear tension. Senator Murphy insists on negotiation over force as a rational long-term solution to stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The stakes are high, and every American should be concerned about this trajectory. It not only jeopardizes international peace but pokes holes into our very own democratic framework. Are we ready to succumb to unchecked executive whims?
