Debate Flares Over Trump’s Military Authority

Following confirmed U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, President Trump has faced bipartisan criticism for not seeking congressional approval, intensifying debates over the limits of executive military authority. Both Democrats and some Republicans argue that congressional authorization is constitutionally required for such actions, while the administration maintains the president's authority for limited operations. In response, House Democratic military veterans and lawmakers are advancing War Powers Act resolutions to restrict unilateral overseas military action by the president. Domestically, Rep. Haley Stevens is introducing the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act, which would bar the president from deploying active-duty troops on U.S. soil without a governor’s request, in the wake of controversial deployments in Los Angeles. The proposed bill aims to amend the Insurrection Act to prevent perceived presidential overreach and has generated legislative and judicial attention. These efforts underscore an ongoing power struggle between Congress and the president over military deployments at home and abroad.