MAGA Rebels Massie and Greene Slam Trump's 'America Last' Iran Strikes
Prominent MAGA-aligned figures, Representative Thomas Massie and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, have spearheaded sharp criticism of Donald Trump's military operations in Iran, denouncing the strategy as "America Last" and demanding a congressional vote on the strikes. Their outspoken remarks come as tensions escalate over potential further conflict in the region.
Bipartisan Calls for Congressional Oversight
In a detailed social media post on Saturday, Greene expressed frustration with the administration's justifications, stating, "We said 'No More Foreign Wars, No More Regime Change!' on rally stage after rally stage. There are 93 million people in Iran, let them liberate themselves. But Iran is on the verge of having nuclear weapons. Yeah sure. We have been spoon fed that line for decades and Trump told us all that his bombing this past summer completely wiped it all out. It's always a lie and it's always America Last."
Massie, a Kentucky Republican known for his bipartisan efforts, including pushing for the release of Epstein files, announced his intention to collaborate with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna to force a vote on war with Iran. He emphasised, "I am opposed to this War. This is not 'America First'. When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war." Congress is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday.
Echoes from Democratic Leaders
Greene and Massie's sentiments align with those of key Democratic figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of endangering U.S. troops, asserting that the Constitution grants Congress sole war-declaring authority. He noted, "Iran is a bad actor and must be aggressively confronted for its human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, support of terrorism and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan in the region. However, absent exigent circumstances, the Trump administration must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the administration's lack of transparency, having previously urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify objectives. He stated, "Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home. President Trump's fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy."
War Powers Act and Political Dynamics
The War Powers Act of 1973 mandates that the White House brief Congress within 48 hours of troop deployment and withdraw forces within 60 days unless Congress authorises military action or declares war, with a possible 30-day extension. However, with Republicans controlling both chambers, securing such authorisation appears unlikely. Earlier this year, a War Powers resolution to block military action in Venezuela saw initial bipartisan support, but Senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young reversed their votes after public pressure from Trump.
Other Republican voices, such as Senator Rand Paul, expressed mixed feelings, writing, "As with all war, my first and purest instinct is wish American soldiers safety and success in their mission. But my oath of office is to the Constitution, so with studied care, I must oppose another Presidential war."
Support for Trump's Actions
Despite the criticism, Trump allies defended the strikes. House Speaker Mike Johnson argued, "Today, Iran is facing the severe consequences of its evil actions. President Trump and the Administration have made every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions in response to the Iranian regime's sustained nuclear ambitions and development, terrorism, and the murder of Americans—and even their own people."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune added, "For years, Iran's relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. service members, citizens in the region, and many of our allies. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats."
Notably, Democratic Senator John Fetterman also backed Trump, tweeting, "Operation Epic Fury. President Trump has been willing to do what's right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel."
With additional reporting by Eric Garcia, this developing story highlights the deepening political divide over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
