Will US Generals Refuse to Obey an Unconstitutional Order to Attack Iran Unprovoked?

[munkle]

This issue came up once during Trump One administration. But now it's a hot war when it really counts. That general would be an instant tier 1 contender for president. What about all those retired generals who signed letters saying Trump is a dictator? Now they can say I told you so.

 

[John Edgar Slow Horses]

No one knows.

 

[OODA_Loop]

No. A strategic attack to protect American interests is not a declaration of war.

 

[DonGlock26]

They bombed Bosnia and Libya for Democrats.

 

[Blaster]

This issue came up once during Trump One administration. But now it's a hot war when it really counts. That general would be an instant tier 1 contender for president. What about all those retired generals who signed letters saying Trump is a dictator? Now they can say I told you so.

Trump is Commander-In-Chief and the military takes its orders from him and not from Congress.

 

[rightwinger]

If Trump orders a bombing….they will bomb

If he orders an invasion, he will have a lot of opposition from Congress

 

[BackAgain]

No one knows.

Especially since it is far from true that such an order would be unconstitutional.

But, buy the premise, buy the question.

 

[rightwinger]

Trump is Commander-In-Chief and the military takes its orders from him and not from Congress.

Not exactly

Congress can declare war
They would also have to provide funding for an invasion

Interesting question…Could Trump build an international coalition to invade Iran?
I would doubt it

 

[Captain Caveman]

This issue came up once during Trump One administration. But now it's a hot war when it really counts. That general would be an instant tier 1 contender for president. What about all those retired generals who signed letters saying Trump is a dictator? Now they can say I told you so.

What did the generals do in 2011?

 

[Leo123]

The Commander In Chief makes emergent military decisions because running a military action through Congress is too burdensome and would take too long when swift action is required. Congress can always review the decision and the outcome after the fact if needed.

 

[John Edgar Slow Horses]

Trump is Commander-In-Chief and the military takes its orders from him and not from Congress.

Only Congress can declare war. Once again, Congress makes law and Presidents carry it out.

 

[John Edgar Slow Horses]

The Commander In Chief makes emergent military decisions because running a military action through Congress is too burdensome and would take too long when swift action is required. Congress can always review the decision and the outcome after the fact if needed.

The law is the law, and the President has two weeks to get authority.

 

[jotathought]

This issue came up once during Trump One administration. But now it's a hot war when it really counts. That general would be an instant tier 1 contender for president. What about all those retired generals who signed letters saying Trump is a dictator? Now they can say I told you so.

What type of attack are you referencing? Trump has escalated rhetoric and military posture against Iran, and hasn't threatened to have a full-scale attack. It's Trump being Trump, flexing the United States' muscle, and is currently exploring options -- not executing them.

Just more Democrat rhetoric about many of the underlying issues they helped create: Iran and its proxies escalating attacks regionally (e.g., against U.S. Troops), ongoing nuclear and missile development, and a power vacuum or perceived indecisiveness from previous U.S. policy.

 

[georgephillip]

This issue came up once during Trump One administration. But now it's a hot war when it really counts. That general would be an instant tier 1 contender for president. What about all those retired generals who signed letters saying Trump is a dictator? Now they can say I told you so.

According to John Mearsheimer's AI: "The US Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, a power that is crucial to maintaining checks and balances within the federal government."

Do you have any thoughts (or preferences) regarding which general would have the best chance of success?

 

[OODA_Loop]

The law is the law, and the President has two weeks to get authority.

Incorrect. He can initiate strategic strikes to protect American interests.

 

[John Edgar Slow Horses]

Incorrect. He can initiate strategic strikes to protect American interests.

Is the current situation with Iran a strategic situation in which the President can launch a strategic strike on Iran?

Legally and strategically, the President does have the authority to order a limited military strike without immediate congressional approval, especially if it's framed as a response to an imminent threat or to protect U.S. interests. However, a strategic strike—particularly one targeting nuclear facilities or involving broader military engagement—would likely raise significant legal and political questions, especially under the War Powers Resolution.

Former NATO commander James Stavridis recently estimated a 2 in 3 chance that President Trump will go ahead with a strike. Trump himself has said, “I may do it. I may not do it,” indicating that the decision is still pending.

 

[Concerned American]

What type of attack are you referencing? Trump has escalated rhetoric and military posture against Iran, and hasn't threatened to have a full-scale attack. It's Trump being Trump, flexing the United States' muscle, and is currently exploring options -- not executing them.

Just more Democrat rhetoric about many of the underlying issues they helped create: Iran and its proxies escalating attacks regionally (e.g., against U.S. Troops), ongoing nuclear and missile development, and a power vacuum or perceived indecisiveness from previous U.S. policy.

Did Trump get authorization for his many attacks on Yemen? Authorization is not always required.

 

[georgephillip]

No. A strategic attack to protect American interests is not a declaration of war.

Which American interests do you imagine Iran threatens?

"The real war: against BRICS"​

Iran now first line of defense of BRICS and the Global South | MR Online

 

[OODA_Loop]

Is the current situation with Iran a strategic situation in which the President can launch a strategic strike on Iran?

Sure Iran's demonstrated support of terrorism against US interest.

 

[Crepitus]

This issue came up once during Trump One administration. But now it's a hot war when it really counts. That general would be an instant tier 1 contender for president. What about all those retired generals who signed letters saying Trump is a dictator? Now they can say I told you so.

Unfortunately it wouldn't really be unconstitutional. He can't declare war without congress, but he can order a strike.

It would really piss his buddy Vladimir off though.