Overview

• On June 21, President Trump ordered precision airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities without seeking congressional approval to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
• Leading Democrats such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have labeled the unilateral attack a violation of the Constitution and called for impeachment proceedings.
• Vice President JD Vance and other Republicans maintain the president acted within his authority to stop weapons of mass destruction, pointing to similar past actions by previous administrations.
• With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, formal impeachment moves are unlikely before the midterm elections, which Democrats say will determine whether such efforts can proceed.
• The showdown highlights an intensifying partisan struggle over war powers and foreshadows a possible clash over military authorizations if congressional control shifts.