Tuesday

07-08-2025 Vol 2015

Illinois Lawmakers React to President Trump’s Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

Lawmakers in Illinois, spanning both major political parties, expressed their views following President Donald Trump’s announcement of military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday night.

The president described the attacks on the sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan as a “spectacular military success,” while threatening further action if Iran does not seek peace.

Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly criticized the president for engaging in military aggression without congressional approval. In her comments on X, she argued that such decisions will not lead to peace but instead escalate violence in the Middle East.

Kelly noted, “Iran can never be allowed nuclear weapons, but it was President Trump’s decision to break the Iran Nuclear Deal that allowed Iran to speed up their enrichment program, making us and our allies less safe. Instead of using diplomacy to lower temperatures, President Trump has escalated the situation, which will further destabilize the region and cause repercussions here at home and across the globe.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth, another Democratic lawmaker, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the strikes amounted to an illegal act of war, endangering American troops and citizens without proper congressional authorization.

She emphasized, “I have long said Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. But this goal could and should have been pursued through diplomatic means first. In this dangerous moment, my top priority is—and the Trump Administration’s top priority should be—ensuring the safety and security of American troops, personnel, diplomats and citizens in the region, as well as those of our partners and allies.”

Duckworth urged the Trump Administration to engage Congress to verify its actions and restore the constitutional process concerning military engagements.

Additionally, Democratic Congressman Sean Casten explicitly labeled the president’s decision as an “unambiguous impeachable offense,” asserting that no president has the authority to use military force against another nation without congressional approval unless facing an imminent threat.

In further criticism, Congressman Chuy Garcia suggested that Trump’s actions are an attempt to engage the U.S. in an illegal war without adequately involving Congress.

Garcia remarked, “Trump is trying to drag us into an illegal war with Iran– no debate, no Congressional vote. He’s not leading– he’s submitting to Netanyahu’s request. There is no military solution to nuclear deterrence.”

In stark contrast to the Democratic responses, Republican Congressman Mike Bost defended the military action taken by President Trump, expressing his trust in the president’s judgment concerning the threat posed by Iran.

Bost wrote, “I trust that President Trump made the decision to target Iran’s nuclear program tonight due to intelligence that indicates the regime was within reach of developing nuclear weapons that could threaten the lives of American citizens and U.S. troops stationed across the globe. He showed the strength to ensure that never happens.”

Fellow Republican Representative Mary Miller also celebrated the strikes, characterizing the move as a significant victory for the United States.

“President Trump understands that PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH keeps America, and the world, safe and secure,” she declared on X, echoing the sentiments of many in her party who view military strength as essential in international relations.

image source from:cbsnews

Benjamin Clarke