AOC Calls for Trump’s Impeachment Over Unauthorized Iran Strikes

Washington, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has ignited a political firestorm by calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump following his administration’s decision to launch military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities without congressional approval. The move, which targeted sites suspected of advancing Iran’s nuclear weapons program, has drawn sharp criticism from progressive lawmakers who argue the action violates constitutional checks and risks escalating tensions into a broader conflict.

In a fiery statement on X, Ocasio-Cortez described the strikes as a “grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.” She argued that Trump’s unilateral decision to authorize military action bypasses Congress’s sole authority to declare war, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. “This reckless act not only undermines our democratic institutions but risks launching a war that may ensnare us for generations,” she wrote. “It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”

The strikes, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of June 21, 2025, targeted key Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow. The Trump administration justified the action as a preemptive measure to halt Iran’s alleged progress toward nuclear weapons capability, citing intelligence reports of “imminent threats.” National Security Advisor John Bolton, in a press briefing, defended the strikes as “necessary to protect American interests and prevent a catastrophic outcome in the Middle East.”

However, the decision has sparked intense debate over its legality and strategic implications. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and obtain congressional authorization for prolonged engagements. Critics, including Ocasio-Cortez, argue that Trump’s failure to seek approval prior to the strikes constitutes a direct violation of this law.

Joining AOC in her call for accountability, several Democratic lawmakers have expressed alarm. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a statement demanding an immediate briefing from the administration and vowed to “uphold Congress’s constitutional role.” Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) echoed these concerns, warning that “unilateral military action without congressional approval sets a dangerous precedent and risks dragging the United States into another endless war.”

On the other side, Republican lawmakers and Trump allies have rallied behind the president. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) praised the strikes as a “decisive step to neutralize a growing threat,” arguing that the president acted within his authority as commander-in-chief to protect national security. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) dismissed calls for impeachment as “partisan grandstanding,” asserting that “Iran’s aggression left the president no choice but to act swiftly.”

The strikes have also intensified international tensions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemned the action as “an act of war” and vowed a “proportional response,” raising fears of retaliation against U.S. assets in the region. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the crisis, with Russia and China expected to back Iran’s position.

Ocasio-Cortez’s impeachment push faces significant hurdles. With Republicans controlling the Senate and a polarized House, any impeachment effort would require substantial bipartisan support to move forward. Political analysts note that while progressive Democrats are likely to rally behind AOC’s call, moderate Democrats in swing districts may hesitate to endorse impeachment, fearing voter backlash ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of Trump’s foreign policy decisions in his second term. Critics point to a pattern of bypassing Congress, including his recent executive actions on trade and immigration, as evidence of overreach. Supporters, however, argue that decisive leadership is necessary in a volatile global landscape.

As the nation grapples with the fallout of the Iran strikes, Ocasio-Cortez has vowed to press forward with her impeachment agenda. “The American people deserve a government that respects the rule of law,” she said in a follow-up post on X. “We cannot allow this precedent to stand.”

The White House has not yet responded to AOC’s impeachment call, but sources indicate that Trump is preparing to address the nation in the coming days to defend his actions. For now, the debate over war powers, presidential authority, and the specter of impeachment promises to dominate Washington’s agenda, with far-reaching implications for U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics.