Key Takeaways:
- U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries hasn’t reviewed a bipartisan resolution requiring congressional approval for military action against Iran.
- The resolution, introduced by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), aims to limit President Trump’s ability to wage war without Congress’s approval.
- Jeffries agreed that Trump should seek congressional approval but dodged questions about the resolution.
- Public opposition to war with Iran is high, with 85% of Americans against it.
- Critics accuse Jeffries of weak leadership and suggest his stance may be influenced by donations from pro-Israel groups.
Jeffries Avoids Question on War Powers Resolution
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is under fire after refusing to say whether he supports a resolution aimed at curbing President Trump’s ability to start a war with Iran. During a press conference on Monday, Jeffries acknowledged that the Trump administration should seek congressional approval for military action. However, when asked about the resolution introduced by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), Jeffries admitted he hadn’t even looked at it. “I haven’t taken a look at it,” he said, quickly moving on to the next question.
The resolution, which invokes the War Powers Act of 1973, would require the president to get Congress’s approval before taking military action against Iran. It has gained significant support, with 59 Democratic co-sponsors and a group of 12 House Democrats, all military veterans, voicing their support in a letter. A similar resolution in the Senate, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), is also gaining momentum.
Public Opposes War with Iran
The push for war with Iran has experienced significant backlash from the American public. A YouGov poll conducted Sunday, just hours after Trump announced strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, found that 85% of American adults oppose war with Iran. This includes 92% of Democrats. The overwhelming opposition reflects growing concern about the consequences of military action.
Jeffries’ failure to address the resolution has only added to the frustration. Many critics feel that his response was weak and insufficient, especially given the urgency of the situation. Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein mocked Jeffries’ deflection, tweeting, “Look at my opposition party dawg.” Others, like Zach Weissmueller of Reason Magazine, sarcastically remarked, “Hey, not like this is an urgent matter with lives on the line. He’ll get to it.”
Calls for New Leadership Emerge
The backlash against Jeffries has been intense, with some even calling for new Democratic leadership. Krystal Ball, co-host of the Breaking Points podcast, tweeted, “Who is going to primary this guy? Please. I am begging someone to step up.” Her comments reflect a broader frustration among progressives who feel that Democratic leaders are failing to stand up to Trump’s aggressive foreign policy.
Even Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), a strong supporter of Israel, has expressed support for using the War Powers Act following Trump’s strikes. This has put additional pressure on Jeffries to take a clear stance on the issue.
Jeffries’ Ties to Pro-Israel Groups Under Scrutiny
Jeffries’ response has also raised questions about his ties to pro-Israel lobbying groups, particularly the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). OpenSecrets reports that Jeffries received over $1.1 million from pro-Israel groups during the 2023-24 election cycle, making him the top recipient in the House. AIPAC has been a strong advocate for Trump’s aggressive actions against Iran.
Critics argue that Jeffries’ comments often align closely with AIPAC’s talking points, such as describing U.S. support for Israel as “ironclad” and labeling Iran a “grave threat to the entire free world.” Michael Arria of Mondoweiss noted that many prominent Democrats, including Jeffries, have endorsed Trump’s rationale for confrontation with Iran while questioning the process.
What’s Next?
As tensions with Iran continue to rise, the debate over congressional authority to declare war has taken center stage. The resolution introduced by Khanna and Massie represents a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation, with lawmakers from both parties uniting to challenge Trump’s unilateral approach to foreign policy.
Jeffries’ vague response has only deepened the divide between Democratic leadership and the party’s progressive base. With public opposition to war running high, the pressure on Democratic leaders to take a stand will only grow. Whether Jeffries will eventually support the resolution remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the American public is watching, and they expect accountability.