Democrats are divided over President Donald Trump's announcement Saturday of Operation Epic Fury, a new U.S. military action that the administration says is aimed at restoring stability in the Middle East.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., broke with many in his party to praise the move.
"Operation Epic Fury. President Trump has been willing to do what's right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel," Fetterman wrote on X.
"Committed Democrat here. I'm a hard no. My vote is Operation Epic Fury," he added hours later.
But other Democrats swiftly condemned the operation and raised constitutional concerns, with some moving to curb the president's authority through the War Powers Resolution.
Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., argued that the president overstepped his authority by launching military action without congressional approval.
"Our Constitution explicitly gives Congress the exclusive power to declare war. The President of the United States is not allowed to take our nation to war without authorization from Congress. Speaker Johnson should immediately call the House back into session," Schneider posted on X, linking to a longer statement.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., also blasted the move and renewed his push to block further military action without lawmakers' consent.
"Trump has launched an unnecessary, idiotic, and illegal war against Iran that puts America's servicemembers and embassy personnel at risk. I'm calling on Congress to immediately return to vote on my War Powers Resolution that blocks war with Iran without congressional approval," Kaine wrote.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces into hostilities and limits military engagement to 60 days without congressional authorization.
Lawmakers have periodically invoked the law in efforts to rein in presidential war-making powers, though its effectiveness has long been debated.
Trump has framed Operation Epic Fury as a necessary step to protect U.S. interests and allies, including Israel, and to counter threats from Iran.
The split among Democrats underscores tensions within the party over U.S. military engagement abroad and the scope of executive authority in matters of war.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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