As President Donald Trump barrels toward a direct war with Iran, the most powerful Democrats in Congress are issuing statements that are at best tepid and confusing. At worst, they are cheering escalation.

Even with some Democrats on Capitol Hill pushing for a War Powers Resolution and other legislation to stop Trump from attacking without congressional approval, the Democratic Party’s most powerful politicians refuse to mount any meaningful opposition to a strike. Many outright favor direct U.S. involvement in yet another regime change war.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the most powerful Democrat in the Senate, where he is the minority leader, presents himself as a major opponent of Trump. As recently as June 15, for example, he boasted about his participation in the No Kings Day mass protest against Trump.

Yet when it comes to the prospect of a direct war with Iran, Schumer is not only supporting Trump, but less than three weeks ago was goading the administration to be “tough” on Iran and not make any “side deals” without Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval.

If TACO Trump is already folding on Iran, the American people need to know about it.

No side deals. pic.twitter.com/T4gnekrGhT

“The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and defense must be ironclad as they prepare for Iran’s response,” he said in a follow-up statement released on June 13, after Israel attacked Iran. “The Iranian regime’s stated policy has long been to destroy Israel and Jewish communities around the world.”

Schumer did include a perfunctory nod to talks — “a strong, unrelenting diplomatic effort backed by meaningful leverage.” The “meaningful leverage” in question, however, is bombing Iran — something Schumer tacitly supports.

Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the most powerful Democrat in the House, responded to Israel’s attack with a toothless

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