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Thomas Massie among few Republicans to criticize Trump over war powers: 'This is not 'America First''

Massie called for Congress to vote on the strikes and said the operation was not “America First.”

Thomas Massie among few Republicans to criticize Trump over war powers: 'This is not 'America First''
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Feb 28, 2026
tl;dr

Thomas Massie joined Democrats in urging Congress to vote on a war-powers measure to constrain President Donald Trump’s Iran strikes, saying the campaign was not “America First.” Republican leaders largely backed Trump, while Democrats questioned the operation’s legality and authorization.

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Thomas Massie R · KY-4
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Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Representative urging a vote to constrain the Iran strikes

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose Iran strikes prompted the war-powers debate

Trump's version of this story ↗
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Senator praising Trump’s military action

Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

Speaker of the House supporting Trump’s action

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who commended Trump’s action

House Democratic leader calling for authorization of military force

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate Democratic leader seeking a briefing and warning against another prolonged war

Tim Kaine
D · VA · SEN

Senator and leader in the bipartisan effort for a war-powers vote

Chris Van Hollen
D · MD · SEN

Senator criticizing the strikes and calling for a vote

Marco Rubio
Secretary of State

Secretary of State who provided updates to the Speaker

Ro Khanna
D · CA-17

Representative urging a House vote with Massie

ALSO MENTIONED  George W. Bush, Former president cited as historical context for congressional authorization before the Iraq War; Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan leader cited in connection with earlier U.S. strikes

Part of a bigger story

7 OUTLETS
Thomas Massie Calls for Congressional Vote on Iran War

Coverage reports that Massie joined Democrats in seeking a congressional vote on military action against Iran, including Trump’s strikes. Left-leaning outlets emphasize Massie’s opposition to the strikes and Congress’s role in authorizing military action. Center outlets portray him as one of few Republicans criticizing Trump and highlight his break with much of his party. Right-leaning outlets foreground Democrats’ effort to force a vote on a bipartisan measure, while also noting Republican defenses of the strikes.

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