House Republicans Join Democrats to Sue Trump Over Iran War

A House Republican has joined Democrats in a bid to sue President Donald Trump over the U.S. conflict in Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky is one of the co-sponsors of a resolution aimed at urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to sue the Trump administration for allegedly violating federal law in the Middle East conflict.

The bill’s other leaders include Rep. Gregory Meeks from New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Reps. Jim McGovern, Gabe Amo, Pramila Jayapal, Jason Crow, and Ro Khanna. Massie accused Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth of openly violating sections of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

For the first time since the law was enacted, a concurrent resolution has passed according to section 5(c), but the White House has ignored it. Massie stated, The courts have never found the law unconstitutional, yet the White House flouts it. Our legislation aims to settle this issue in court.

Massie highlighted that violations have occurred under section 5(b) of the law as well. He claims that the administration uses temporary ceasefires to avoid the 60-day limit on presidential military activity. Massie believes no court would agree with this interpretation.

Massie was one of four House Republicans who recently voted with Democrats to censure Trump regarding the Iran war. Despite passing, the resolution largely holds symbolic value. The move has made Massie critical of Trump’s administration, resulting in a primary challenge backed by Trump, which Massie lost.

Without Democratic maneuvers or Massie’s influence, the resolution to sue Trump is unlikely to get a full House vote. Massie criticized the lack of congressional action, stating Speaker Johnson’s inaction undermines our constitutional authority. He added that the Trump administration operates unconstitutionally by not seeking Congressional authorization for the Iran conflict.

Speaker Johnson stated an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is unnecessary currently, suggesting a resolution would soon follow. The administration is working very hard to resolve this issue, he said.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded that politicians have long discussed the threat of a nuclear Iran and that Trump has taken decisive action. She emphasized that the administration has been transparent with Congress, providing over 30 bipartisan briefings since February.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to her email [email protected].