House Republicans and Democrats Challenge Trump on Iran War

A single House Republican has allied with Democrats in a bid to sue President Donald Trump over the U.S. involvement in the Iran war. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has joined as a co-sponsor of a new resolution that aims to compel House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to take legal action against the Trump administration. The accusation is that the president is violating federal law with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The resolution is spearheaded by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., who serves as the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Other co-sponsors include Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., Gabe Amo, D-R.I., Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Jason Crow, D-Colo., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif. Massie accused both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of “blatant violation” concerning two parts of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

“For the first time since the enactment of the law, a concurrent resolution has passed under section 5(c), but the White House ignored it. They assume the law is unconstitutional, yet no court has ruled as such. The 1973 War Powers Resolution was not addressed in the 1983 Supreme Court case INS v. Chadha. Our legislation seeks to have the courts resolve this issue,” Massie stated.

Massie claims violations of section 5(b), arguing that the 60-day limit on presidential military actions is being bypassed. Each time a temporary ceasefire is declared in the Iran war, the administration claims that the statutory countdown restarts. Massie asserts this should be legally challenged.

Previously, Massie was among four House Republicans who joined Democrats in criticizing Trump with a war powers resolution related to Iran. This resolution is largely symbolic and carries no substantive effect. Massie’s outspoken critiques have led to a primary challenge, backed by Trump, which he ultimately lost.

The likelihood of the new resolution gaining a full House vote remains low unless Massie or Democrats take measures to bypass House GOP leadership’s opposition.

“Speaker Johnson’s inaction, driven by political convenience, is eroding our institution’s strength,” Massie said. “While both Iraq wars and the Afghanistan conflict were backed by Congressional AUMFs, Trump sought none for the Iran war, thus operating without constitutional backing.”

Last week, Johnson indicated he does not believe an AUMF is necessary but emphasized an end to the conflict. “The administration, led by the Commander in Chief, is actively working towards a resolution. While observing these developments, I believe an AUMF is not required at present. We should focus on bringing this to a resolution,” he mentioned.

Responding to the resolution, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital that Trump has taken steps against the threat of a nuclear Iran. She highlighted the administration’s transparency with Congress, noting over 30 bipartisan briefings since late February.

Elizabeth Elkind reports on politics for Fox News Digital with a focus on the House of Representatives. She previously contributed to Daily Mail and CBS News and can be followed on Twitter at @liz_elkind. Tips can be sent to [email protected].