Angus King is right about war with Iran
Collins criticizes Trump for beginning military action against Iran without clearly explaining its purpose or seeking congressional approval.

SOURCE CHECK
TAP FOR WHYThe Portland Press Herald is an established regional newspaper, and the column identifies its author and opinion format. This is an opinion piece rather than independently sourced reporting, so the article itself provides limited grounds to assess reporting and verification practices.
- Source type — Established regional newspaper, consistent with a generally credible local-news source.
- Author attribution — The article identifies Steve Collins and describes his work as an opinion columnist.
- Editorial standards — The named newspaper and clearly identified opinion format provide some editorial context, but no corrections or verification details appear here.
- Track record — The outlet is an established regional publication; this article alone does not establish its broader record.
The column clearly states its argument and includes attributed remarks from Angus King and Susan Collins. It offers little documentary support or detail about the military action and does not present the administration’s rationale or other counterarguments.
HOW WE SCORE ↗This is an opinion column that argues against Trump’s action and urges Congress to intervene. It includes King’s and Susan Collins’s remarks but does not explain the administration’s case for the military action or give a counterargument.
- Counterarguments presented — No defense of the administration’s decision or opposing interpretation is presented.
- Opinion vs reporting — The piece is explicitly an opinion column and openly endorses King’s view.
- Source diversity — The quoted political perspectives are King’s and Susan Collins’s; no administration source is quoted.
- Loaded language — The author uses forceful, critical phrasing about Trump and Congress.
The column is sharply critical of Trump’s decision and of the Republican-controlled Congress’s response, while endorsing King’s criticism. Its framing leans left, though it focuses on this dispute rather than presenting a broad ideological argument.
- Language tone — Uses strongly disapproving language about Trump’s action and Congress’s response.
- Framing — Frames the central issue as an unjustified war and a failure to defend congressional authority.
- Source selection — Quotes King and Susan Collins but presents no administration defense or opposing view.
- Headline — The headline explicitly endorses King’s position.
Republished by Lewiston Sun Journal and Centralmaine.com
Steve Collins argues that President Trump’s military action against Iran lacks a clear public rationale and congressional approval, and praises Sen. Angus King for questioning the war and Congress’s role. Collins says Congress should assert its constitutional authority.
In an opinion column, Steve Collins says he opposes the Iranian regime but considers President Trump’s decision to begin bombing Iran rash and poorly explained. Collins quotes Sen. Angus King questioning the timing and purpose of the action and arguing that Congress has a fundamental responsibility in decisions about war. Collins also quotes Sen. Susan Collins saying sustained combat operations require full engagement with Congress.
Collins argues that bombing alone is unlikely to change who controls Iran and warns that a ground war could be destructive and prolonged. He criticizes Congress for not defending its constitutional powers and says it should draw a line against a president taking the country into war without its approval.
Community verdict
21 VOTESCounts every outlet’s report of this story. See all 7
- Readers of left-leaning coverage: 59% good look
- Readers of right-leaning coverage: not enough votes yet
Votes cast on this page
Votes cast on this page: ▲ 10 · ◆ 4 · ▼ 7
People in this story
SWIPE →President whose decision to begin military action against Iran is criticized
Senator questioning the purpose of the Iran war and Congress’s authority over war decisions
King's version of this story ↗Senator quoted on Congress’s involvement in sustained combat operations
Part of a bigger story
2 OUTLETS- ARTICLES
- 7
- OUTLETS
- 2
- AVG CRED
- 64
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