Republican lawmaker on US bombs against Iran: ‘This is not constitutional’

Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.), one of the most vocal Republicans pushing against American intervention in Iran, posted on the social platform X that President Trump’s bombing of Iranian nuclear sites is unconstitutional.

Trump announced that American forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — and that all planes are out of Iranian airspace.

“A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he posted on Truth Social.

Massie wanted to introduce a war powers resolution in the House on Tuesday that would prohibit American involvement in Iran.

“This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our constitution,” he posted on X on June 16.

The Constitution’s Article 1, Section 8 gives the power “to declare war” to Congress. However, the president also has war powers dictated in Article 2 of the Constitution.

Since the president is commander in chief of the armed forces, these two articles are a source of constitutional debate. Also, there has been no declaration of war.

Republican Rep. Warren Davidson (Ohio) echoed a similar sentiment to Massie’s in a post on X.

“While President Trump’s decision may prove just, it’s hard to conceive a rationale that’s Constitutional,” Davidson wrote. “I look forward to his remarks tonight.”

Many members of the GOP support the president’s actions against Iran.

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) was one Republican who supported the president on X, saying, “President Trump made the courageous and correct decision to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat. God Bless the USA. Thank you to our extraordinary military and our indomitable POTUS. This is what leadership on the world stage looks like.”

Updated on June 22 at 10:47 a.m. EDT.