House Speaker Mike Johnson made it clear on Tuesday that he believes Congress does not have the authority to stop President Donald Trump from starting wars. Johnson said efforts by some lawmakers to limit Trump’s military powers are unconstitutional.
“Many respected constitutional experts argue that the War Powers Act is itself unconstitutional,” Johnson told reporters, according to Axios. “I’m persuaded by that argument. They think it’s a violation of the Article 2 powers of the commander in chief. I think that’s right.”
Recently, 49 members of Congress — mostly Democrats — backed a resolution to block Trump from escalating conflict with Iran. This came after Trump ordered powerful airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Several Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticized the strikes as unconstitutional because Congress was not properly informed beforehand. Schumer said the administration gave vague warnings without details.
“Shortly before the action occurred, or during it, we’re not sure which, they called me up and said, ‘we’re taking imminent action, can’t tell you what country,’” Schumer said, according to Punchbowl News. “I said, ‘Can you give me some details?’ They said no.”
With Senate votes on the resolution expected soon, Johnson dismissed any attempt to limit Trump’s power. “The strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities were clearly within President Trump’s Article 2 powers as commander in chief,” he said. “It shouldn’t even be a dispute.”
Johnson brushed off Massie’s resolution as just a show and defended Trump’s ability to order military actions without Congress. For Johnson, any law trying to restrict the president’s war-making power crosses a constitutional line.
Watch the clip below:
Mike Johnson: "Many respected constitutional experts argue that the War Powers Act is itself unconstitutional. I'm persuaded by that argument. They think it's a violation of the Article 2 powers of the commander in chief. I think that's right." pic.twitter.com/Qoeuq8muVf
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 24, 2025
