Legal experts are already skeptical of President Donald Trump’s constitutional authority to launch new military action against Iran without Congress’ approval, especially if it leads to a prolonged conflict. “The president has tried to grab that power for himself without getting authorization from Congress before doing so,” Anders added. In addition, the Supreme Court has been generous in approving Trump’s expansive use of power, most notably in its 2024 immunity ruling. “Even if that were a legal argument, rather than a policy one, it’s hard to take that remotely seriously here,” Vladeck said. Bush’s use of force against Panama to overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega, President Barack Obama’s use of air strikes in Libya and Trump’s actions in his first term against Iran and Syria.

Source: CNN February 28, 2026 22:50 UTC