Trump Claims He Can Wage War on Iran Without Congress, Ignores War Powers Resolution

President Trump has once again made it clear he believes he can wage war without congressional oversight, this time targeting Iran. Speaking to reporters as he left the White House, Trump declared the 1973 War Powers Resolution—which requires the president to get congressional authorization or withdraw troops after 60 days—“totally unconstitutional.” He dismissed calls to seek approval for continued military action, citing an April ceasefire as justification to ignore the law.

“We’re doing everything in terms of negotiating right now... but I’m not happy,” Trump said of talks with Iran’s fractured leadership. “Their country has been, frankly, decimated.” Yet he did not rule out escalating attacks, warning he could “blast the hell out of them” if negotiations fail.

The War Powers Resolution was designed to prevent exactly this kind of unchecked executive aggression. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits military engagement to 60 days without congressional approval. Trump formally notified Congress on March 2, starting the clock that runs out May 1. Although a ceasefire was declared on April 8, the U.S. continues a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining a state of conflict.

Congress has repeatedly tried to rein in Trump’s war powers. The Senate rejected Democrats’ sixth attempt to limit his authority on Iran, with only two Republicans—Rand Paul and Susan Collins—joining Democrats in support. Meanwhile, Trump claims the ceasefire resets the 60-day deadline, a dubious legal argument rejected by many constitutional experts.

Public opinion is sharply against the war. Polls show 60 percent of Americans believe attacking Iran was a mistake, with even fewer convinced the war will succeed. The conflict’s unpopularity rivals or exceeds that of Iraq and Vietnam at comparable stages, despite far fewer casualties so far.

Trump’s refusal to respect constitutional limits on war-making power is not just a legal issue—it is a direct threat to democratic governance and accountability. By ignoring Congress and threatening further violence, he risks dragging the country into a prolonged conflict without public or legislative consent. This reckless posture demands urgent scrutiny and resistance from lawmakers and citizens alike.