Trump avoids ‘war’ label to sidestep Congress

US President Donald Trump said he is avoiding calling the conflict with Iran a ‘war’ for legal reasons linked to congressional approval, CBS News reported. At a Republican event, he said he prefers the term ‘military operation’, as using the word ‘war’ could require formal authorisation from lawmakers.

He acknowledged that his language has not been consistent and that he has at times referred to the conflict as a war.

Under the US Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war, while the president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The War Powers Act limits military operations without congressional approval to 60 days, although presidents have long disputed its scope. Trump argues that the law is unconstitutional.

Democratic lawmakers have criticised the president for launching strikes against Iran without congressional approval and have questioned whether Tehran posed an imminent threat. The Senate has repeatedly voted to limit presidential war powers, but such measures have failed to pass.

The administration and most Republicans maintain that the actions were constitutionally justified in light of the threat posed by Iranian missiles. In his notification to Congress, Trump said he had acted within his authority and after diplomatic efforts had failed.

(max)