Johnson: Trump Didn’t Need Congressional Approval For Iran Strikes

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended President Donald Trump’s decision on Sunday to utilize the U.S. military for strikes against three suspected Iranian nuclear weapons facilities, asserting that he did not require Congress’s approval for this action.

While Congress had previously authorized the use of force in 2001 and 2002 prior to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and despite objections from Democrats and some Republicans who argued that Trump’s actions breached the Constitution, Johnson maintained that the president possessed the statutory authority to undertake actions considered necessary for the nation’s security interests.

“The President made the right decision and acted as required. Congressional leaders were cognizant of the urgency surrounding this matter, and the Commander-in-Chief determined that the imminent threat outweighed the time it would take for Congress to respond,” Johnson stated on the X platform.

“The world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, which openly declares ‘Death to America,’ must not be permitted the chance to acquire and utilize nuclear weapons. The President fully acknowledges the Article I powers of Congress, and the strike executed tonight was necessary, limited, and targeted, aligning with the historical precedent of similar military actions taken by presidents from both parties,” he further remarked.

Numerous administration officials who appeared on various news programs on Sunday reiterated that the U.S. was not “at war” with Iran and emphasized that Trump’s actions were both limited and specific.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also expressed his support for Trump’s actions.

The Iranian regime, which has pledged to bring ‘death to America’ and erase Israel from existence, has dismissed all diplomatic avenues towards peace. The misguided quest of the mullahs for nuclear weapons must be halted. As we take measures tonight to ensure that a nuclear weapon remains unattainable for Iran, I express my solidarity with President Trump and offer prayers for the American troops and personnel in danger,” he stated.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wy.) remarked, “President @realDonaldTrump’s choice to target Iran’s nuclear program is the correct one. The most significant threat to the safety of the United States and the globe is Iran possessing a nuclear weapon. God bless our troops.”

Republican Conference Chairman and U.S. Army veteran Sen. Tom Cotton concurred, highlighting Iran’s long history of assaults on Americans and American interests over the decades.

“Iran has conducted a campaign of terror against the United States for 46 years. We must never permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. God bless our courageous troops. President Trump made the right decision, and the ayatollahs should heed his warning against targeting Americans,” he stated.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Sen. Jim Risch also released an extensive statement of endorsement.

“As President Trump has repeatedly asserted – as have I – Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon. Why? A nuclear-armed Iran would undoubtedly trigger a global nuclear arms race. This poses a direct threat to American national security if it remains unaddressed,” he stated.

“This conflict is Israel’s battle, not ours, yet Israel stands as one of our staunchest allies and is disarming Iran for the benefit of the world. I have consistently maintained that Israel will not permit Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. For Israel, this is a matter of existence. The Iranians genuinely seek to annihilate Israel and all Jews from the earth. This strike will put an end to those aspirations,” the Idaho Republican further emphasized.

“President Trump took significant measures today to support the Israelis in their attempts to halt the Iranian nuclear initiative. Only American armaments could achieve what has been accomplished. This has enhanced the safety of America, as well as that of the Israelis, and the global community at large,” he remarked.

“This does not signify the beginning of an endless conflict. There will not be American forces deployed in Iran. This was a targeted, limited operation, deemed necessary and, by all assessments, highly effective. As President Trump has indicated, the moment for peace is now,” he continued.