https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-conflict-06-22-25-intl-hnk#cmc87rvhk00053b6ne4kb1oyz
5 min ago
DOJ says Trump has authority for strikes but may need congressional approval if conflict continues
From CNN's Paula Reid
A senior Justice Department official said President Donald Trump, in consultation with the White House counsel and the Justice Department, conducted the strikes against Iran under his Article II constitutional powers.
The president has broad authority to order the use of military force and to advance other national interests under Article II of the Constitution, but Article I gives Congress the authority to declare war.
The official said the president is also relying on memos written by the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel under administrations of both parties.
The official said that if the conflict continues for an extended period, the administration may have to go to Congress for approval, but that “bombing three nuclear sites” does not rise to the level of needing congressional approval under Article I. The official also noted the Trump administration has the support of senior officials in the House and Senate, so the White House believes it is on solid legal ground.
A White House official told CNN earlier that the president used “his legal authority as commander in chief” to launch the strikes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi will testify tomorrow before the House, where she is expected to be asked about this issue and will reiterate the president’s reliance on his Article II powers and the previous memos from the Office of Legal Counsel.