Trump signaled he will not seek Congressional authorization to continue war with Iran - media
Kyiv • UNN
The U.S. President considers the requirement for Congressional approval to wage war illegal. Trump likely does not plan to seek formal authorization from lawmakers.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday called a law restricting the use of force without congressional authorization "completely unconstitutional," signaling he would not seek formal approval from Congress to continue the war with Iran, UNN reports, citing CNN.
"They consider it completely unconstitutional," he told reporters at the White House. "It's never been used before. Why should we be any different?"
Trump's remarks marked the administration's latest rejection of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the U.S. president to obtain a declaration of war from Congress to continue the use of force beyond 60 days.
Many lawmakers consider today to be the 60-day mark, based on Trump's notification to Congress of the commencement of hostilities on March 2.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth previously argued that the indefinite ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran represents a pause in the war and means the administration has not yet reached the 60-day mark.
On Friday, Trump stated that his administration is in constant contact with lawmakers, but erroneously claimed that "no one has ever sought" congressional authorization to start a war. Then-President George W. Bush sought and received authorization from Congress for the Iraq War in 2002.