Michigan lawmakers respond to Trump's declaration of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities
Michigan officials on both sides of the aisle are reacting to President Trump's announcement Saturday evening that the United States launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to a , Mr. Trump said the U.S. has completed a "very successful attack" on sites in Iran, including Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.
A full payload of bombs was dropped at Fordo, according to Mr. Trump, who said in a follow-up post that "This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISTAEL (sic), AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!"
Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Sunday morning that it was the "largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history" and inflicted "extremely severe damage and destruction" to the targets.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a social media post Sunday morning that she called a briefing with the adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and Colonel James Grady with Michigan State Police.
"My top priority is the safety and security of the people of Michigan," .
She added that officials are monitoring the situation closely and "taking steps" to keep residents safe.
Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan's 4th Congressional District said the following in a Saturday night.
"After attempting to negotiate peace through diplomacy, President Trump took decisive action. We must ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon and usher in a new age of nuclear terrorism. I commend the men and women of our Armed Forces for their performance in this operation to make the world a safer place. It is now time for Iran to come to the table and abandon its nuclear ambitions."
Democratic U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan's 12th Congressional District said Mr. Trump violated the Constitution by sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without consent.
"The American people do not want another forever war," Tlaib said in a written statement. "We have seen where decades of endless war in the Middle East gets us — all based on the lie of 'weapons of mass destruction.' We are not falling for it again. Instead of listening to the American people, Trump is listening to War Criminal Netanyahu, who lied about Iraq and is lying once again about Iran. Congress must act immediately to exert its war powers and stop this unconstitutional act of war."
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, has asked for a full, classified brief of the strikes and the "strategy and force protection plans."
"In the meantime, tonight I'm focused on the safety of the over 40,000 U.S. forces in the Middle East, and their loved ones back home, concerned about retaliation and what comes next," Slotkin said in a Saturday night.
Slotkin added that a strike can have major safety and stability repercussions.
"As someone who served in Iraq and saw up close the loss of blood and treasure over 20 years, I don't want to be embroiled in another drawn-out conflict, and neither do the American people," Slotkin said.
Republican U.S. Rep Tom Barrett of Michigan's 7th Congressional District said he "anticipates" a full briefing of the strikes.
"Tonight, I am praying for wisdom in our decisions, President Trump and his team, and the safety of our troops. God bless the United States of America," Saturday night in a repost of Mr. Trump's announcement of the strikes.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten of Michigan's 3rd Congressional District noted in a post of her own on X that "Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons."
"As the president takes action without congressional approval, my thoughts are with our troops. The American people deserve a voice—through Congress—before our troops are sent to serve in another endless war," Scholten said.
U.S. Rep. John James, R-Michigan's 10th Congressional District, thanked Mr. Trump for his "iron resolve" in carrying out the mission named Operation Midnight Hammer.
Iran has pledged to retaliate if the U.S. joined the Israeli assault, which began with airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military targets on June 13. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel.
