ThePrint ThePrintPod: What the US Constitution says about president’s powers over the military & declaration of war
Jun 24, 2025
Dive into the intricate balance of power between the U.S. President and Congress concerning military actions. Discover the constitutional authority granted to the President and the relevant debates surrounding military strikes against Iran. The discussions highlight a rare bipartisan push for congressional approval, questioning the scope of presidential military power. Historical context from the War Powers Resolution adds depth to the conversation, shedding light on accountability in military engagements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Presidential Military Powers Limited
- The U.S. President cannot unilaterally bomb another country without Congress approval. - Doing so is considered an impeachable offense by lawmakers across the spectrum.
Congress Declares War, President Commands
- The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, not the President. - Presidents can use military force under other authorizations but formal declarations are rare.
War Without Formal Declarations
- The U.S. has engaged in major military conflicts without formal war declarations. - Presidents have relied on Authorizations for Military Force (AUMF) to justify actions.