Will Trump Bypass the US Congress and Declare War on Iran?

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Claims

Last Updated 1 year ago

Greg Steube"President Trump has full constitutional authority to take military action against Iran's nuclear program without a formal declaration of war."Sep 07, 2025

Rand Paul"You can't have a president just beginning a war on his own [without congressional approval]."Jun 19, 2025

USA Today

Richard Painter"The President cannot start a war or enter the U.S. into a foreign war without consent of Congress."Sep 07, 2025

Ro Khanna"Trump cannot declare war with any nation, especially Iran, without coming to us [Congress] first."Jul 25, 2019

Congressman Ro Khanna

Jonathan Turley"History and precedent favour Trump in this action [authorize airstrikes in Iran without requesting permission from Congress]."Jun 23, 2025

BBC News

Rashida Tlaib"The president cannot circumvent congressional war powers and unilaterally send US troops to war with Iran."

Donald Trump"I do [have the authority to declare war on Iran without Congress approval]."Sep 01, 2025

The Hill

Nikema Williams"Trump cannot go to war with Iran without authorization from Congress."Sep 07, 2025

American Civil Liberties Union"The Constitution couldn't be clearer, Congress alone has the power to decide whether to use force against Iran, and our leaders [the Trump administration] need to take that grave responsibility seriously."Jun 19, 2025