Iran strikes were launched without approval from Congress, deeply dividing lawmakers

President Trump launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, without seeking approval from Congress, which has deeply divided lawmakers who were only notified about the operation shortly before it was executed. The White House bypassed the traditional process of Congressional authorization for military actions, opting instead for a unilateral decision that has sparked immediate backlash from both Democratic and Republican legislators. Lawmakers are now grappling with the implications of this expanded presidential power, with some arguing that the administration violated constitutional requirements for declaring war, while others support the president's authority to act swiftly in what they perceive as national security matters. The strikes represent a significant departure from established protocols and have reignited debates about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in matters of military action.