If you’ve watched cable news or checked social media this week, you’d think President Trump had launched World War III. The media echo chamber is in full panic mode over his recent bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities. Democrats are crying foul—saying it’s “unconstitutional,” “dangerous,” and “done without Congressional approval.” It’s as if they’ve all come down with a case of selective amnesia. Let’s set the record straight. This isn’t the first time a US president has launched military strikes without going through the process of allowing Congress to approve it. In fact, some of the loudest critics of Trump’s Iran strike were part of—or cheering on—similar actions when their team was in the White House.
Barack Obama bombed seven different countries, including Libya in 2011 saying he didn’t need Congressional approval. Congress? Irrelevant. That operation went far beyond “limited engagement,” it helped oust Gaddafi and left Libya in chaos. Remember Benghazi? Obama also launched airstrikes in Syria in 2014, using a post-9/11 authorization meant for Al-Qaeda—even though he was targeting ISIS and other regional actors, not covered by that law. Bill Clinton also bombed five different countries. He bombed Iraq twice in 1993 and 1998, Bosnia (’94), Afghanistan and Sudan (‘98)—all without a Congressional green light. In 1999, he ordered a 78-day bombing campaign in Yugoslavia during the Kosovo conflict. No declaration of war. No Congressional authorization. In fact, they both defied Congress to act.
So when Democrats now cry “unconstitutional,” you’d be forgiven for asking: where was that righteous outrage before? And let’s not forget what they used to say about Iran. While campaigning in 2008, Obama warned that “all options are on the table” with Iran. Hillary Clinton, during the same campaign, promised she would “obliterate” Iran if it attacked Israel. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 allows a president to act militarily without Congressional approval for up to 60 days, if there is a national emergency created by an attack on the US, its territories, or armed forces. The president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours. According to initial reports, Trump complied with those provisions. Whether you approve of his action against Iran, the law is the law—and he followed it. And he didn’t mess it up, (Carter in Iran comes to mind).
So, what’s the real issue here? Legal concerns and Constitutional boundaries are just the cover story. This uproar is driven by partisan hypocrisy. When Democrat presidents bomb foreign targets, it’s hailed as measured diplomacy and decisive leadership. When Trump takes similar action, the same crowd screams it’s reckless and impeachable. They have no hunger for national security, but rather a high appetite for resistance and political theatre. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord.” Preparation, strength, and clarity of mission are essential, but ultimately, our security is not in political theatre, it’s in God’s hands, who Trump thanked with great love for the success of the Iran mission. This Democratic Party hypocrisy is not only beltway hypocrisy, it’s say, it with me…Stupidocrisy.
