A House Republican is collaborating with Democrats to sue President Donald Trump regarding the conflict in Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is among the co-sponsors of a resolution urging House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to sue the Trump administration. The efforts allege that the president is breaking federal law with military actions in the Middle East.
This resolution involves key Democratic figures such as Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., leading the charge along with Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., Gabe Amo, D-R.I., Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Jason Crow, D-Colo., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
Massie accused Trump and Pentagon head Pete Hegseth of violating two sections of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
Rep. Thomas Massie criticizes the administration, claiming a concurrent resolution passed in compliance with section 5(c) of the law, yet the White House disregards it. Massie states this law remains valid and undebated in court, bringing urgency to litigation. He also highlights the alleged misuse of a 60-day limit on presidential military action, arguing it resets with each temporary ceasefire, a notion he believes would not hold up in court.
Three House Republicans joined Democrats last week in passing a war powers resolution condemning Trump’s actions. While the resolution holds symbolic significance, it lacks practical enforcement. Massie, facing criticism from Trump supporters, was defeated by a primary challenger endorsed by the president and may soon leave his role in the House of Representatives.
Getting a full House vote on the resolution may require maneuvering by Massie or Democrats due to objections from House GOP leadership. Despite potential obstacles, Massie remains vocal, condemning congressional inactivity and Speaker Johnson’s lack of urgency. Massie points out that while previous conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were authorized by Congress, the ongoing conflict in Iran lacks Congressional approval, rendering it unconstitutional.
Speaker Johnson has expressed no immediate intention to seek an AUMF for the Iran war, aiming instead for conflict resolution. Johnson commented on the administration’s active efforts in resolving the situation, acknowledging extensive discussions without deeming an AUMF necessary.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded to the resolution by defending the administration’s transparency with Congress, noting over 30 bipartisan briefings since February. She praised President Trump for confronting the threat of a nuclear Iran, a long-standing concern among global politicians.
Elizabeth Elkind, a Fox News Digital politics reporter, covers stories related to the House of Representatives. Her previous work includes contributions to the Daily Mail and CBS News.