White House Denies Ignoring Democrats Before Iran Nuclear Site Strikes

The Trump administration conducted airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, prompting debate over congressional notification. The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, asserted it made bipartisan courtesy calls to Democratic leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and briefed House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after initial contact failed. However, key Democrats on the intelligence committees, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Jim Himes, members of the Gang of Eight, reported they were not notified prior to the strikes, raising constitutional concerns about presidential authority to conduct military action without full congressional approval. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the administration informed congressional leadership only after the planes had safely departed, claiming compliance with the War Powers Act. Most Republicans supported President Trump's decision, with Sen. Lindsey Graham endorsing regime change in Iran, while a few Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene, opposed the intervention. The White House's approach to notification and the constitutional limits of executive military authority remain points of contention between the parties.