Democrats Divided as Calls for Trump’s Impeachment Over Iran Strike Lose Momentum

As political tensions escalated over President Trump’s Iran strike, moderate and establishment Democrats distanced themselves from impeachment talk, focusing instead on oversight and diplomacy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized Trump’s failure to consult Congress but stopped short of endorsing any formal proceedings, emphasizing the need to “prevent further escalation in the Middle East.”

Other progressive lawmakers, including Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), echoed AOC’s frustration over the president’s unilateral decision but conceded that an impeachment attempt would be symbolic at best. “We don’t have the votes,” Casten admitted, noting that his primary concern was restoring proper checks on presidential war powers.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders rallied behind the president. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) praised the strike as a “measured and justified action” against a hostile regime, asserting that Trump acted under his constitutional authority to defend the nation. Vice President J.D. Vance also backed the move, arguing that the president had the right to act swiftly to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program.

Critics of the impeachment push pointed to a double standard among Democrats, noting that past presidents from both parties—including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton—had conducted airstrikes abroad without congressional approval. “It’s absurd,” said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY). “If Obama could strike Libya and Syria without impeachment calls, then this outrage is purely political.”

While the fallout from the Iran operation continues to dominate Washington, the divide among Democrats highlights a deeper struggle between progressive activism and pragmatic governance. For now, impeachment appears off the table, as even some of Trump’s fiercest critics admit the focus must remain on avoiding a wider regional conflict and maintaining U.S. credibility on the global stage.