White House says it tried reaching Dem leaders before Iran strike
Share this @internewscast.com


() The White House is pushing back at reports the Trump administration ignored key Democrats in Congress before the U.S. military bombed three nuclear enrichment sites in Iran over the weekend.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media that the White House made bipartisan courtesy calls to Democratic leadership, even talking with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York before the strike. She said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., could not be reached but eventually received a briefing.

Leavitt’s statement made no mention of two additional Democrats Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, ranking members on intelligence committees who reportedly were not notified, Washington correspondent Joe Khalil reports.

Himes and Warner are members of the so-called “Gang of Eight” who typically would be notified ahead of military action.

More generally, Democrats in Congress argue they should have been given a chance to sign off on the U.S. strikes against Iran, arguing the president is limited by the Constitution. The White House says President Trump has the authority.

In contrast, most Republican members of Congress have lined up in support of President Trump. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., even supported the president’s suggestion for regime change in Iran.

Notable exceptions within the GOP include Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R.-Ga., who oppose U.S. intervention.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tatiana Schlossberg, JFK’s Granddaughter, Passes Away at 35

BOSTON – Renowned environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former President John…

Virginia Faces Rising Wave of Respiratory Illnesses: COVID-19 and Flu Cases on the Rise

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia is currently grappling with a surge in…

Tragic Christmas Day Fire Claims Lives of Riley and Maggie Blevins in Kingsport

In the wake of a tragic house fire that claimed the lives…

China’s Manufacturing Sector Sees December Boost with Rebound in Orders Pre-Holiday

BANGKOK – In a positive turn for the Chinese economy, factory activity…

Preserving Tradition: How Peking Opera Thrives in Today’s Digital Age

BEIJING – Clad in a striking red-and-white warrior ensemble, Peking opera performer…

Hong Kong Welcomes 2026 with Solemn Reflection: A Fireworks-Free New Year Following Tragic Blaze

HONG KONG – In a city accustomed to vibrant fireworks lighting up…

Blaze Ravages DeLand Home on West Voorhis Avenue: Residents Safe

DeLAND, Fla. – On Monday evening, a house in DeLand was consumed…

Sean Williams Achieves Trial Postponement in North Carolina Federal Criminal Cases

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WJHL) — Sean Williams, a man facing accusations of being…

CIA Allegedly Linked to Venezuelan Dock Strike Targeted by Trump for Drug Smuggling Activities, According to AP Sources

WASHINGTON – A recent drone strike, reportedly orchestrated by the CIA, targeted…

New Johnson City Ordinance Could Impact New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Local Bar

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A downtown bar in Johnson City has…

Lawyers Request Judge’s Withdrawal in Ex-Sheriff’s Homicide Trial

In a significant development surrounding the legal proceedings of a high-profile murder…

Stay Ahead of the Flu: Essential Tips from Northeast Regional Health Center on Local Outbreaks

Seasonal sniffles could signal more than just a mild cold this year,…