Al Green files impeachment articles against Trump over Iran strikes

In early 2020, Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, initiated an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump, following U.S. military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Green's resolution criticized Trump for failing to seek proper congressional authorization before conducting the attacks, which he considered a significant abuse of presidential power. He claimed that the unilateral use of military force without notifying Congress undermined the separation of powers established by the Constitution and posed a threat to American democracy by enabling an authoritarian leadership style. Green's concerns also reflected a broader discontent within the Democratic Party regarding Trump's approach to military engagements and decision-making. The backdrop of this impeachment effort included various actions by Trump that several Democrats viewed as overreaches of authority, particularly his handling of immigration and his responses to federal judicial decisions. The ongoing tensions with Iran, coupled with Trump's assertive foreign policy strategy, further intensified the debate around presidential war powers. Green's criticism was not isolated; it echoed sentiments from other prominent Democratic figures, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who extended her call for impeachment in light of the specific strikes on Iran, arguing they violated the Constitution's provisions giving Congress the power to declare war. In response, the White House defended Trump's military actions, labeling them as part of a strategic 'peace through strength' policy, which they argued had yielded rapid successes in dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions. A spokesperson lauded Trump for what they claimed was a historic achievement in addressing Iran's nuclear threat, thereby justifying the strikes without congressional approval. Despite the defenses mounted by Trump's administration, the divided opinions within Congress highlighted the ongoing struggles and deepening partisan rifts regarding foreign policy and executive power in the U.S. political landscape. Both Green's and Ocasio-Cortez's impeachment calls found support among some Democrats, indicating a collective unease about the trajectory of presidential powers and the implications for American democracy. The array of responses from both Republicans and Democrats reflected a broader national conversation about checks and balances, accountability, and the rules governing military interventions abroad.