Saturday's airstrike on Iran by President Donald Trump, right, was not the first time in U.S. history that a president used military force without a formal declaration of war; for example, President Thomas Jefferson, left, deployed the U.S. Navy to protect American interests from Barbary pirates. (AP ; Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP)
Deep Dive: Over 30 Times US Presidents Used Military Force Without a Declaration of War
Democratic lawmakers and some in the media are arguing that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by ordering the strike on Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend.
But history is on his side in his use of force without seeking congressional approval. In fact, the very nature of such a military operation requires an element of surprise that the Trump administration would have lost by going through Congress.
In voicing her opposition to the operation afterward, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media platform X, “The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.”
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Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.
Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
