A wave of criticism is rising across the United States denouncing the Trump administration’s war on Iran. In the last two days, a number of Democratic senators and representatives have publicly condemned the US war on Iran, warning that Washington is being dragged into a dangerous and potentially prolonged conflict without congressional authorization.
Taking aim at Donald Trump, the lawmakers accused him as “stupid” and “liar,” warning that the war risks widening instability in the Middle East and placing American forces in harm’s way.
Through a series of statements posted on X, a group of US lawmakers slammed the war as reckless, unconstitutional, and lacking a clear strategic objective.
Senate
Leading the criticism was Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who accused Trump of Being a “liar”. In a press conference on Wednesday, Schumer said Trump administration is spreading misinformation about the war, especially the airstrikes on a school in Iran’s Minab.
“Trump said that the Tomahawk missile that struck the school in Iran was not America’s but Iran’s. Iran does not have any Tomahawk missiles,” the Senate Democratic leader stated.
Donald Trump is a liar! Trump said that the Tomahawk missile that struck the school in Iran was not America's but Iran's. Iran does not have any Tomahawk missiles. Statement by American Senate Opposition Leader Chuck Schumer.#IsraelTerroristState.#SaudiArabia #Qatar #dubai pic.twitter.com/8W79Si5Jrn
— Raza. Ijaz (@raja_ijaz11) March 11, 2026
Another critic of Trump is Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the Democratic senator from Maryland, who accused the Trump administration of misleading the American public and launching an unnecessary conflict. Van Hollen argued that Trump had “lied to the American people” and warned that the war could endanger US troops while lacking a clear endgame.
“He became the first president stupid & reckless enough to put American lives at risk in support of Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 40-year quest for a regime change war in Iran,” Van Hollen stated, according to a post on his X account.
On the campaign trail, Trump pledged he would not drag America into another war.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) March 11, 2026
Then he became the first president stupid & reckless enough to put American lives at risk in support of Israeli PM Netanyahu's 40-year quest for a regime change war in Iran. pic.twitter.com/MibhTTvjEw
Sen. Adam Schiff, the Democratic senator from California and a member of the Senate with a long background in intelligence oversight, also condemned the US war on Iran, warning that the United States risks sliding into another costly Middle East conflict without congressional authorization.
If you can’t understand why we are at war in Iran, you are not alone.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 11, 2026
Trump’s explanations have been unintelligible.
Take a look: pic.twitter.com/ZamUHDm9wM
Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democratic senator from Connecticut and a prominent voice on foreign policy within the Senate, said the Trump administration has failed to present a coherent strategy for the conflict and demanded greater transparency about its objectives.
The war with Iran is insanity in its own right. But it is gross incompetence Trump went to war with Iran with no plan to keep open the Strait of Hormuz.
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) March 12, 2026
Now Iran is laying mines, global oil shipping is paralyzed, gas prices are skyrocketing and food prices are close behind. pic.twitter.com/Ovnb2ozVCQ
Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic senator from Washington and one of the most senior members of the Senate Democratic leadership, joined the criticism, stressing that Congress must not be sidelined when decisions about war are made.
Trump may have no "yips" about boots on the ground, but I think committing American soldiers to a ground war is a serious escalation.
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) March 11, 2026
NO boots on the ground.
NO war with Iran.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democratic senator from Illinois and the Senate Democratic Whip, also voiced strong concerns, emphasizing that the US Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war and warning against unilateral military escalation.
The American people have a Constitutional right to decide whether their children will be asked to fight a war.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) March 11, 2026
We cannot wage large scale international conflicts based on the President’s whims. pic.twitter.com/kE91Z6g6TO
House of Representatives
Criticism was not limited to the Senate. Several members of the House of Representatives also joined the wave of opposition.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the Democratic representative from Michigan and a member of the progressive “Squad,” cited a report by the New York Times that proves US responsibility for the school attack in Iran’s Minab. She called for Trump impeachment.
After lying about it, the Trump Administration confirmed that they bombed a school in Iran—killing 175 people, mostly girls.
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) March 11, 2026
Trump should be impeached. Hegseth should be fired. And the Administration must be held accountable in international courts for their heinous war crimes. pic.twitter.com/AqsNhPprEq
Rep. Melanie Stansbury, the Democratic representative from New Mexico, argued that the American people were not consulted before Washington “entered another major Middle East” conflict and urged for the firing of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Time to address the elephant in the room: it is time for Pete Hegseth to go. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FBMmrAqvuk
— Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) March 12, 2026
Rep. Sara Jacobs, the Democratic representative from California and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, warned that the war risks destabilizing the region and putting American forces in greater danger.
I am appalled by the apocalyptic images from Israel's strikes on Iran's oil infrastructure over the weekend. These strikes will undoubtedly have significant impacts on the Iranian people's health for years. This illegal war must end now.https://t.co/6bVDcxojkt
— Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (@RepSaraJacobs) March 12, 2026
Rep. Shontel Brown, the Democratic representative from Ohio, also criticized the escalation and called for diplomacy instead of expanding military confrontation.
It is time for Trump to stop the shameless lies and time for the White House to allow a full, thorough, and transparent investigation into this tragedy. There must be accountability. https://t.co/peMtTgbXlA
— Rep. Shontel Brown (@RepShontelBrown) March 11, 2026
Outside Congress, California Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in as well, warning that the war could have profound consequences for American security and stability in the region.
There is no real endgame in sight with Trump's war with Iran.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) March 11, 2026
Markets are roiling and gas prices are surging.
How can the President of the United States explain this to the American people? pic.twitter.com/FrHiN0rX0I
The surge of criticism reflects a broader debate in Washington over whether the Trump administration launched the war without congressional approval. Several lawmakers have already called for hearings and possible votes under the War Powers Act to limit or end the military campaign.
As the war on Iran proceeds, the chorus of opposition from US lawmakers appears to be growing, signaling that the political battle in Washington over the war on Iran is only beginning.
Source: Al-Manar English Website