A Republican congressman has joined forces with Democrats to initiate legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump concerning U.S. military action in Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky co-sponsors a new resolution that seeks to compel House Speaker Mike Johnson to launch a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The resolution alleges the former president violated federal law related to the Middle East conflict.
The resolution also has backing from Rep. Gregory Meeks, a leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with several other Democratic representatives including Jim McGovern, Gabe Amo, Pramila Jayapal, Jason Crow, and Ro Khanna.
“Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth are accused of blatantly violating two sections of the War Powers Resolution of 1973,”
Massie stated.
The representative pointed out that, for the first time since the law’s enactment, a concurrent resolution has successfully passed under section 5(c), but the administration chose to ignore it. He expressed that although the White House seems to consider the law unconstitutional, no court has ruled it so. Massie argued for judicial intervention to resolve this dispute.
Massie claimed further violation of section 5(b) of the law. He criticized the administration’s tactic of resetting the 60-day limit on military action by initiating temporary ceasefires, which he believes no court would uphold.
Recently, Massie and a few other Republican lawmakers voted alongside Democrats on a symbolic war powers resolution aimed at rebuking Trump’s actions in Iran. This decision led to Trump endorsing a primary challenger who ultimately defeated Massie, possibly replacing him in Congress.
The resolution to sue Trump will likely face procedural challenges unless Democrats or Massie enforce strategies to bypass opposition from GOP leaders. Massie criticized congressional leadership, particularly highlighting Speaker Johnson’s inaction that undermines constitutional authority. He noted that while previous military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan had Congressional authorization, the Trump administration hasn’t sought similar approval for actions in Iran.
Speaker Johnson commented that a formal Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is unnecessary, emphasizing efforts to resolve the conflict through discussions and negotiations.
A White House spokesperson defended the Trump administration’s transparency with Congress during this conflict, noting over 30 bipartisan briefings since February.
Elizabeth Elkind reports on politics for Fox News Digital, focusing on the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter or contact her via email for news tips.