This is just beyond bizarre
Donald J. Trump, IMPOTUS the Third, ordered the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, a horrible man who was responsible for the death of many innocent people. In doing so, Trump did not consult with the Gang of Eight, Republicans or Democrats. He continues to not provide much information to Congress, despite his obligations to fully apprise them of the situation and obtain authority for any major action.
According to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the information he did provide to Congress was so heavily redacted, it left many unanswered questions. But on Sunday, should anyone doubt that IMPOTUS believes he answers to no one and can do whatever the hell he pleases, tweeted: “These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!”
As a reminder to this most dangerous man, the Constitution is clear that when it comes to war, Congress alone has power to declare war. The United States Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 11, provides, “The Congress shall have power to declare war.” While the president has in the last several decades had more and more power, the executive does not have this kind of power described by Trump.
In addition, tweeting a notice to the United States Congress is not an appropriate means or approach to this somber issue. Not consulting with the Republicans or Democrats in the Gang of Eight, tweeting potential war crimes about targeting civilian cultural centers, he and Lindsey Graham talking about oil refineries, and now casually and cavalierly tweeting a notice to Congress about his potential plans to go to war, all demonstrate that IMPOTUS is not competent to be leading our nation.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.