Democrats Deeply Divided on Trump’s Unsanctioned Operation Epic Fury

By James Morley III | Saturday, 28 February 2026 02:30 PM EST

Democrats are split over President Donald Trump’s announcement this weekend of Operation Epic Fury, a new U.S. military action the administration claims aims to restore stability in the Middle East.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) broke with many Democrats to praise the move, stating: “Operation Epic Fury. President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.” He later added, “Committed Democrat here. I’m a hard no. My vote is Operation Epic Fury.”

However, other Democrats swiftly condemned the operation, raising constitutional concerns and urging Congress to curb presidential authority through the War Powers Resolution.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) argued that the president overstepped his authority by launching military action without congressional approval: “Our Constitution explicitly gives Congress the exclusive power to declare war. The President of the United States is not allowed to take our nation to war without authorization from Congress. Speaker Johnson should immediately call the House back into session.”

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) also blasted the move, renewing his push to block further military action: “Trump has launched an unnecessary, idiotic, and illegal war against Iran that puts America’s servicemembers and embassy personnel at risk. I’m calling on Congress to immediately return to vote on my War Powers Resolution that blocks war with Iran without congressional approval.”

The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces into hostilities and limits military engagement to 60 days without congressional authorization.

Lawmakers have periodically invoked this law in efforts to rein in presidential war-making powers, though its effectiveness has long been debated.

Trump has framed Operation Epic Fury as a necessary step to protect U.S. interests and allies, including Israel, and to counter threats from Iran.

The Democratic split underscores growing tensions within the party over U.S. military engagement abroad and the scope of executive authority in matters of war.