The Trump administration's decision to delay a much-anticipated briefing for Congress regarding recent strikes in Iran has ignited backlash from Democratic lawmakers, highlighting increasing tensions surrounding the situation.
Trump Administration Delays Congressional Briefing on Iran Strikes, Sparking Outrage
Trump Administration Delays Congressional Briefing on Iran Strikes, Sparking Outrage
Democrats express frustration over the postponement of a vital briefing by the Trump administration on military actions in Iran.
June 24, 2025, 4:02 p.m. ET
The Trump administration has recently faced criticism after postponing classified briefings scheduled for Congress about the U.S. military strikes against Iran. According to sources, the briefings were intended to provide lawmakers with essential details following the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and Iran's retaliatory strikes on an American military base in Qatar.
Originally set for Tuesday, the closed-door sessions were to feature key officials, including Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, C.I.A. chief John Ratcliffe, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Senate briefing has now been rescheduled for Thursday, while the House briefing is expected to take place that Friday.
Democratic leaders have vocally condemned the postponement, asserting that the administration is failing to meet its obligations under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. This legislation mandates that the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of any military action and subsequently provide a classified briefing to lawmakers. Earlier this week, President Trump communicated to Congress through a memo that the strikes were executed under his constitutional authority aimed at protecting American citizens both domestically and abroad while furthering national security interests.
The delay of these briefings occurs amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a ceasefire agreement recently brokered by President Trump between Iran and Israel. The president made the announcement shortly before departing Washington for the annual NATO summit in the Netherlands, signaling the complexities of navigating U.S. foreign policy in a volatile region.
The Trump administration has recently faced criticism after postponing classified briefings scheduled for Congress about the U.S. military strikes against Iran. According to sources, the briefings were intended to provide lawmakers with essential details following the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and Iran's retaliatory strikes on an American military base in Qatar.
Originally set for Tuesday, the closed-door sessions were to feature key officials, including Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, C.I.A. chief John Ratcliffe, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Senate briefing has now been rescheduled for Thursday, while the House briefing is expected to take place that Friday.
Democratic leaders have vocally condemned the postponement, asserting that the administration is failing to meet its obligations under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. This legislation mandates that the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of any military action and subsequently provide a classified briefing to lawmakers. Earlier this week, President Trump communicated to Congress through a memo that the strikes were executed under his constitutional authority aimed at protecting American citizens both domestically and abroad while furthering national security interests.
The delay of these briefings occurs amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a ceasefire agreement recently brokered by President Trump between Iran and Israel. The president made the announcement shortly before departing Washington for the annual NATO summit in the Netherlands, signaling the complexities of navigating U.S. foreign policy in a volatile region.
