Trump Gave Congress A Heads Up?
Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) strongly defended President Donald Trump’s recent military strikes against Iranian nuclear targets, calling the action both legal and essential to U.S. national security.
Speaking on The Hill Sunday on NewsNation, Rounds rejected criticism from the Left, which has claimed Trump bypassed Congress when ordering precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including the underground site at Fordow—an installation many experts believe has long been central to Iran’s secret weapons ambitions.
“The Constitution clearly gives the President the authority to act in defense of our nation,” Rounds stated. “And under the War Powers Act, Congress must be notified within 48 hours. President Trump’s team did that—well within the legal window.”
The senator emphasized that America’s Founders foresaw situations like this, where swift, decisive action is needed to protect the homeland from growing foreign threats.
“The Founding Fathers understood that Congress can take too long to act in an emergency,” Rounds said. “They wisely made the President the commander-in-chief so he could respond quickly to threats—just as President Trump did here.”
Trump Acted While Biden Would Have Hesitated
Conservatives are praising Trump’s quick response to escalating nuclear threats in the Middle East—especially when compared to the indecision seen under Joe Biden’s weak foreign policy. Critics of the Biden administration have long warned that Iran has been emboldened by years of appeasement and failure to enforce red lines.
Defense Officials Confirm Legal Notification
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed Sunday that congressional leaders were notified after U.S. bombers safely exited Iranian airspace, satisfying all legal requirements under the War Powers Resolution.
“Everything was done by the book,” Hegseth said. “This administration respects the law while putting American safety first.”
According to reports, key GOP leaders—including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.)—were briefed shortly after the strikes. However, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has condemned the move, demanding a classified briefing and attempting to cast doubt on the president’s authority.
Strong Leadership in Dangerous Times
Despite partisan attacks, supporters say President Trump showed the kind of strong leadership America needs—putting U.S. security first, responding with force, and respecting constitutional limits every step of the way.
“This is exactly how our system is supposed to work,” Rounds said. “The commander-in-chief acted quickly to neutralize a nuclear threat and followed the law to the letter. That’s what real leadership looks like.”
As Iran continues to pursue destabilizing activities across the Middle East, Trump’s bold actions send a clear message: America will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or its people.
