WASHINGTON D.C. April 18, 2026 – U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) sharply criticized Congress on April 18, 2026, claiming it is shirking its constitutional responsibility and allowing President Donald Trump to continue military operations in Iran without proper authorization.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Omar stated: “Congress is failing its constitutional duty and enabling Trump’s war with Iran—putting American troops and innocent lives at risk. Republicans must find the courage to stand up to Trump and end this war.”
The message was accompanied by a video clip from an ABC News interview in which Omar emphasized Congress’s role as the body that declares war. “I do believe it is important for members of Congress to assert their constitutional right in being the body that declares war,” she said, adding that lawmakers have a duty to debate the risks to U.S. service members who are their constituents.
The remarks come one day after the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a Democratic-led War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to conduct hostilities against Iran. The measure failed by a vote of 213-214. It was the latest in a series of failed attempts by Democrats in both chambers to force a congressional vote on withdrawing U.S. forces or requiring explicit authorization for continued action.
According to multiple reports, the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian targets in late February 2026, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional threats. While a ceasefire was announced in early April, tensions remain elevated over issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s oil exports.
Omar has repeatedly argued that the conflict is “illegal and unjustified” without congressional approval, a position echoed by other Democrats who have pushed for multiple War Powers votes this year. Republicans have largely backed the administration, stating that Trump’s actions are necessary to protect U.S. interests and counter Iranian aggression.
The Minnesota congresswoman’s latest statement follows similar calls from Democrats for Congress to reconvene and exercise oversight, amid ongoing debates over the war’s cost, objectives, and impact on American troops and civilians in the region.
No immediate response from Republican leadership or the White House was available at the time of publication. The conflict continues to dominate Capitol Hill discussions as lawmakers weigh the balance between executive authority and congressional war powers.
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