cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/46309633

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 on 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 referring to, but it’s a new argument from the Trump administration.