Democrats begin preparing lawsuit against Trump over war with Iran
Democrats in the U.S. Congress have started working on a potential lawsuit against President Donald Trump in case he continues military operations against Iran after the legally mandated deadline without parliamentary approval, sources told Time magazine.
This refers to the 60-day limit enshrined in the War Powers Resolution, which expires on May 1. After this date, the administration must either obtain Congress's approval to continue military actions or begin winding down the operation.
According to several congressmen, discussions about a lawsuit are still in the early stages but could accelerate if the White House ignores the deadline.
Senator Richard Blumenthal confirmed that the legal option is being considered. "Legal actions need to be explored. The president must face the fact of breaking the law, and the court is one of the tools," he told the publication.
Congressman Ted Lieu has taken a similar stance, believing that Congress has grounds for legal action, including the issue of the procedural capacity of the American leader.
Since late February, Democrats have repeatedly attempted to limit the military campaign against Iran through votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate, but Republicans have blocked these initiatives.
The U.S. military operation against Iran began on February 28. Formally, the countdown under the law started on March 2, after Congress was notified. The 60-day period expires on April 29, with the final date for obtaining congressional approval being May 1.
Senator Adam Schiff intends to initiate a new vote on a war powers resolution precisely by this date. "Republicans will have the opportunity to confirm that this milestone is truly important to them," he emphasized.
The main issue, as stated in the article, is not so much the arguments but the likelihood that a court will even take up the case. American courts traditionally avoid disputes between branches of government on war issues, qualifying them as "political questions," writes Time.
In early April, Axios, citing sources, reported that Democratic congressmen in the U.S. are discussing a joint demand for the impeachment of President Trump in connection with the war against Iran. Since the start of hostilities, Democrats have repeatedly tried to limit Trump's military powers, but the Senate has rejected the resolution.
Source: RBC
