Trump suggests War Powers Act unconstitutional as Iran war hits 60 days

President Trump on Friday suggested that the War Powers Act, which requires presidents to seek congressional authorizations for foreign conflicts, is unconstitutional, as the Iran war hit 60 days, a key milestone under the Vietnam War-era law.

The U.S. and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, but Trump formally notified Congress on March 2 about U.S. military operations against the country — 60 days ago Friday.

Ahead of his departure for a weekend in Florida, Trump was asked whether he would now seek approval from lawmakers.

“It’s never been sought before, there’s been numerous, many, many times and nobody’s ever gotten it before, they consider it totally unconstitutional,” Trump told reporters ahead of his departure from the White House.

“But we’re always in touch with Congress. But, nobody’s ever sought it before; nobody’s ever asked for it before; it’s never been used before. Why should we be different?”

It’s unclear who “they” was a reference to, but it’s a new argument from the Trump administration.

When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked the same question during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Thursday, he did not challenge the constitutionality of the law.

Instead, he said that the 60-day clock was effectively paused when Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in April.

“We are in a ceasefire right now,........

© The Hill