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

Heartfelt Farewell: Motorcade Honors Fallen National Guard Member Tragically Shot in Washington D.C.

On Thursday evening, a solemn procession departed from Medstar Washington Medical Center,…

Escalating Tensions: Russian Strikes Claim Lives in Kyiv Amid Renewed Diplomatic Push for Peace in Ukraine

KYIV – In the early hours of Saturday, Kyiv faced a deadly…

Brace for Impact: Thanksgiving Travelers Face Snow, Rain, and Chilly Weather Conditions

As Thanksgiving travelers began their journeys, snow and cold temperatures have already…

Survivors of Hong Kong Apartment Fire Reflect on Their Next Steps

HONG KONG – It was a typical afternoon when William Li received…

Post-Thanksgiving Travel Alert: Snow, Rain, and Cold Weather Set to Impact Journeys

As the Thanksgiving holiday weekend continues, travelers should brace themselves for a…

Bristol, Va. House Fire Attributed to Candle Left Near Flammable Materials, Reports Fire Chief

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — On Thanksgiving Day, a house fire in Bristol,…

Legionnaires’ Disease Alert: Ocoee Gym Under Investigation for Potential Outbreak

OCOEE, Fla. – A cloud of concern hovers over a local fitness…

Community Outcry Escalates: Arrests Spark Controversy 100 Days Post Rainbow Crosswalk Removal

In Orlando, Florida, a crosswalk near the former Pulse nightclub has become…

Unexploded Grenade Found in Orlando Community, Fire Department Reports

ORLANDO, Fla. – Fire department crews discovered a grenade while responding to…

Orlando’s Small Businesses Gear Up for Record-Breaking Saturday Shopping Rush

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a bid to accommodate the influx of shoppers,…

African Union Temporarily Suspends Guinea-Bissau Following Military Coup

DAKAR – In response to a military coup, the African Union has…

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reveals Additional Artists for Its 2026 ’25 Artists for 25 Years’ Celebration

The Birthplace of Country Music has unveiled the first 25 artists set…