Trump's Iran War Continues to Violate the Constitution - and Now Also the War Powers Act of 1973
The article argues that President Trump's military actions in Iran violate both the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Act of 1973 due to the lack of congressional authorization. Although a ceasefire is currently in place, the author contends that the War Powers Act's 60-day clock continues to run because hostilities could resume at any time. The administration's claim that the clock stops during a ceasefire is rejected as inconsistent with the law's intent and wording.
- ▪President Trump initiated military action against Iran without congressional authorization, violating the Constitution.
- ▪The War Powers Act of 1973 requires presidential action to be approved by Congress within 60 days of entering hostilities or imminent hostilities.
- ▪Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed the War Powers Act clock stops during a ceasefire, but the author argues the threat of renewed conflict keeps the clock running.
- ▪The War Powers Act is intended as a limitation on presidential power, not a grant of authority to start wars.
- ▪Section 2(C) of the War Powers Act states presidential authority to deploy forces is only valid with a declaration of war, statutory authorization, or a national emergency from an attack.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Trump's Iran War Continues to Violate the Constitution - and Now Also the War Powers Act of 1973 The administration is wrong to claim that the 60-day time limit in the Act is "stops" due to the ongoing ceasefire. Ilya Somin | 5.1.2026 4:20 PM <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-8353763" src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/q60/uploads/2025/10/pete-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-press-conference-300x200.jpg" alt="Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon." width="300" height="200" data-credit="Kyodonews/Zuma Press/Newscom" srcset="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/q60/uploads/2025/10/pete-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-press-conference-300x200.jpg 300w,…
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