Story perspectives

Trump Deems War Powers Act Invalid, Bypasses Congress on Iran

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the War Powers Act unconstitutional, saying it has never been enforced.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will not seek congressional authorization for the U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran that began Feb. 28 and is now under a ceasefire.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee the 60-day deadline does not apply because a ceasefire is in effect.

History

Historical Context

In 1973, Congress enacted the War Powers Resolution, compelling President Richard Nixon to seek legislative approval for military actions after the Vietnam War. The law imposed a 60-day deployment limit, extendable to 90 days, and required reporting to the Senate Armed Services Committee within 48 hours. President Donald Trump calls the resolution unconstitutional, refusing congressional approval for U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran, while Secretary Pete Hegseth says the 60-day limit is moot. This challenge revives constitutional disputes, risking erosion of legislative war oversight and prompting future courts to reassess the 1973 balance of power.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the War Powers Act unconstitutional, saying it has never been enforced.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will not seek congressional authorization for the U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran that began Feb. 28 and is now under a ceasefire.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee the 60-day deadline does not apply because a ceasefire is in effect.

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