Summary
The U.S., under President Donald Trump, conducted military strikes against Iran without seeking approval from Congress. This follows a longstanding pattern where U.S. presidents have used military force without formal declarations of war from Congress.
Key Facts
- President Trump ordered military action against Iran, targeting its leaders and missile industry.
- The U.S. Constitution states only Congress can declare war, but presidents have acted without such declarations for over 75 years.
- To justify such actions, presidents use their role as commanders-in-chief, arguing for quick military decisions.
- The most recent U.S. declared war was in World War II, with subsequent military actions often happening without new congressional approval.
- Congress has allowed presidents to deploy troops without declaring war if the U.S. is attacked or after passing authorizations for use of military force.
- Several past presidents, including Truman, Kennedy, and Obama, have initiated military operations without prior approval from Congress.
- The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) has been used broadly to justify various military actions post-9/11.
