Rep. Massie says he feels ‘misled’ by Trump after Iran strikes
Rep. Thomas Massie has voiced his disappointment with President Donald Trump’s recent strikes on Iran, accusing the president of veering away from his campaign promises. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Massie expressed feeling misled by Trump’s decision to let neocons shape U.S. foreign policy and potentially lead the country into another war.
The conservative libertarian lawmaker raised concerns about the impact of Trump’s actions on the Republican base, warning that the president’s actions could result in apathy among his supporters, leading to a potential loss of majority in the upcoming midterms. Massie’s criticism of the strikes on Iran stems from his long-standing opposition to U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.
The U.S. stealth bombers targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities, with Trump declaring the operation a success and calling on Iran to make peace or face further attacks. While some praised the strikes, others, including progressives and isolationist Republicans, condemned the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Despite assurances from top officials that the U.S. is not seeking war with Iran, Massie argued that the military action constitutes an act of war and places the country in a hot war between two nations. He emphasized the need for congressional oversight and highlighted his efforts to force a vote on a War Powers resolution alongside Rep. Ro Khanna.
Massie’s resolution aims to prevent unauthorized U.S. military hostilities in Iran and requires Congress to vote on military intervention within 60 days if the conflict continues. The lawmaker acknowledged potential opposition from pro-Israel groups and congressional leaders but vowed to push for a House vote on the resolution.
The Trump administration defended its notification to Congress about the strikes, citing compliance with the War Powers Act. However, Massie pointed out that the same act requires a congressional vote on military intervention if the conflict extends beyond a certain period.
In response to Massie’s criticism, Trump called the lawmaker a “grandstander” and threatened to support a primary challenger against him. Despite the backlash, Massie remains steadfast in his opposition to the strikes on Iran and his commitment to upholding congressional oversight of U.S. military actions abroad.
As the debate over the Iran strikes continues, Massie’s efforts to hold the administration accountable for its actions highlight the importance of congressional oversight and the need for a thorough examination of U.S. foreign policy decisions.
