Progressive Democrats reignited calls for former President Trump’s impeachment after his unexpected military strike on Iranian nuclear sites, but the effort quickly ran into resistance—most notably from within their own party. While Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez labeled the attack “unconstitutional,” Senator John Fetterman dismissed the move as “dead on arrival,” warning against treating impeachment like a political weapon.
The strike, which targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, was hailed by Republicans as a bold defensive act. Trump insisted it was not an act of war but a necessary response to an “immediate nuclear threat.” While national security hawks praised the action, progressives claimed he violated congressional war powers by not seeking prior approval.
Fetterman emphasized that disagreement over policy is not grounds for impeachment, echoing growing frustration with using impeachment as a partisan reflex. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s decision but stopped short of endorsing removal, instead calling for greater oversight.
Meanwhile, Republicans rallied around Trump, citing similar actions by past presidents like Obama. Speaker Mike Johnson called the strike “targeted and necessary,” reflecting the divided mood in Washington. For now, the push to impeach appears over, but the deeper debate over presidential war powers is far from resolved.