COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) — State leaders are reacting to President Donald Trump’s authorization of airstrikes against Iranian nuclear targets.
The move has drawn responses from both sides of the aisle; some support the movie while others are against it.
After Trump’s announcement on Saturday, South Carolina leaders shared their opinions.
Gov. Henry McMaster expressed on X that “Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, and President Trump’s decisive action secures the safety of our nation and allies such as Israel.”
Numerous other Republicans, including U.S. Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, are supporting Trump’s move, viewing it as a strong statement against America’s adversaries.
“It is in our best interest to ensure that all adversaries fear us and our allies hold us in high esteem. The most effective strategy against anyone who threatens to wipe us off the map is to take assertive measures to ensure they lack the capability to do so,” Scott stated.
But U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn is sounding the alarm, calling the attack unconstitutional and reckless.
“President Trump’s unilateral decision to attack Iran without congressional approval is unconstitutional and unwise,” Clyburn said on Facebook. “This move, a rash sequel to his withdrawal from the nuclear deal, puts our nation, our troops, and innocents at grave risk.”
Scott said he believes President Trump is protecting the American people with this decision.
“It’s clear that the President acted within his constitutional authority, number one, and number two, the President does not need congressional authority to protect American lives,” Scott continued. “He does not need it to protect America’s interests, and he frankly doesn’t need it when he believes, ultimately, that this will preserve American lifelong term.”
On Monday, President Trump declared the “12 day war” between Israel and Iran will likely end in a ceasefire.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” Trump posted on social media, although there was no immediate word from either country on the announcement.
The ceasefire would start with Iran and then joined by Israel 12 hours later, with Trump saying the respective sides would “remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
