On June 21, 2025, leading Republicans in Congress, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator John Thune, endorsed President Trump's decision to conduct airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, arguing it was essential in deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, a significant number of Democrats, alongside some Republicans, criticized the action as unconstitutional and potentially reckless, highlighting the need for congressional consultation in matters of military engagement.
Republican Lawmakers Back Trump’s Military Action Against Iran while Democrats Express Concern
Republican Lawmakers Back Trump’s Military Action Against Iran while Democrats Express Concern
Congressional Republicans support President Trump's airstrikes on Iran, while Democrats raise legal objections.
Top Republicans in Congress swiftly rallied behind President Trump on Saturday after he ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, even as senior Democrats and some G.O.P. lawmakers condemned it as an unconstitutional move that could drag the United States into a broader war in the Middle East.
In separate statements, the leading Republicans in Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the majority leader, commended the military operation, calling it a necessary check on Iran’s ambitions of developing a nuclear weapon. Both men had been briefed on the military action before the strike was carried out, according to three people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it publicly.
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Thune both argued that the airstrikes were necessary after Iran had rejected diplomatic overtures to curb its nuclear program. “The regime in Iran, which has committed itself to bringing ‘death to America’ and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace,” Mr. Thune said.
Mr. Johnson argued that the military action was consistent with Mr. Trump’s muscular foreign policy.
