House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of his war with Iran during an interview Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, questioning the administration’s strategy and warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Speaking with Kristen Welker, Jeffries said the killing of Iran’s supreme leader removed a dangerous figure but left unanswered questions about the purpose and direction of the war.
“He was a bad actor, and I’m not going to shed any tears as a result of his departure,” Jeffries said. “The big question is: why did we get into this war, what are our strategic objectives, and what is the plan to get out?”
Jeffries pointed out that the administration has not presented a clear rationale for the conflict and said Americans are more concerned about the rising cost of living than another military campaign in the Middle East.
“The American people don’t want to see billions of dollars being spent to bomb Iran,” Jeffries stated. “While at the same period of time, my Republican colleagues and this president are unwilling to spend a dime to lower their grocery bills, spend a dime to actually make it more affordable to go see a doctor, or do anything about this affordability crisis that is very real in the United States of America.”
Welker asked whether Jeffries would support sending U.S. ground forces into Iran after reports that the administration had privately considered the possibility. Jeffries responded that he would oppose such a move, warning against another prolonged military engagement in the region.
“We are deeply saddened right now by the loss of six brave and heroic servicemen and women who have already lost their lives,” he said, adding that the administration must explain how its strategy will make the country safer rather than increase risks.
“The president of course has a responsibility first and foremost to make his case to the American people, which he’s failed to do,” Jeffries said, calling the conflict a “war of choice” that remains unpopular.
Jeffries: ‘The American People Are Dissatisfied With This War Of Choice That Donald Trump Has Decided To Enter Into’
Welker noted that a handful of Democrats joined Republicans in opposing a War Powers Resolution last week in the House, including Representative Jared Golden (D-ME). Golden argued that the president is currently acting within the authority granted under the War Powers Act of 1973.
Jeffries acknowledged that lawmakers hold differing views but said the overwhelming majority of Democrats believe the administration has not justified the conflict to Congress or the public.
“The overwhelming majority of both House and Senate Democrats have made the case to the American people and taken the position,” Jeffries stated, “that this is a war of choice that Donald Trump decided to get into without any evidence being presented to us as members of Congress or to the American people.”
Welker also asked whether House Democrats would oppose a potential request from the administration for tens of billions of dollars in additional military funding tied to the conflict. Jeffries declined to rule out any specific course of action but said lawmakers would evaluate such a request only after the administration explains its strategy.
“At this particular point in time, the administration has failed to make its case as to the rationale or justification for this war,” he said.
