The Brian Lehrer Show Trump Ordered Military Action Without Congress' Approval
Jun 25, 2025
Carol E. Lee, Washington Managing Editor for NBC News, sheds light on President Trump's controversial military strike against Iran, executed without congressional approval. She discusses the growing trend of unilateral military actions by U.S. presidents and its implications for legislative oversight. The conversation also touches on the political fallout, historical precedents of executive overreach, and challenges Congress faces in reclaiming its authority over war powers. Additionally, callers share insights on the complexities of modern military decisions and the trust issues arising from such actions.
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Presidential Military Action Without Congress
- Presidents increasingly order military strikes without congressional approval, sparking political and legal debate.
- The damage from the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear program is contested and still under assessment by intelligence agencies.
Congress Losing War Powers
- Congress has steadily lost control over war declarations, ceding power to presidents who claim executive authority.
- The legal use of Authorizations for Use of Military Force has expanded, enabling presidents to act without fresh congressional approval.
Political Hesitation in Congress
- Both parties find it politically difficult to take clear stances on military authorizations, avoiding tough votes.
- This reluctance contributes to Congress ceding power and failing to rein in presidential war powers.