In a recent media clash, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly addressed claims that the Trump administration failed to inform Democratic leaders in Congress about U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
This rebuttal came in response to a report from CNN, which initially stated that top Democrats were not given advance notice of the military action.
During an appearance on Fox News, Leavitt asserted that both Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had been contacted prior to the strikes.
She emphasized that these were bipartisan communications and stated, “The White House made calls to congressional leadership. In fact, Hakeem Jeffries couldn’t be reached. We tried him before the strike and he didn’t pick up the phone.”
Leavitt clarified that while Schumer received a briefing before the attack, Jeffries was informed afterward. She characterized CNN’s report as “completely false” and noted that both Schumer’s office and the network had to retract the initial story after the White House provided timestamps of the phone calls.
In a subsequent revision, CNN acknowledged that Schumer had indeed been notified shortly before the strike, although the details were minimal and did not include specific information about the operation’s location.
A source cited by NBC News described the notification as “perfunctory,” highlighting the lack of substantive communication surrounding such a critical military action.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the administration’s actions, asserting that congressional leaders were aware of the urgency of the situation.
“The President made the right call,” he stated, arguing that the imminent threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions justified the decision to act swiftly without waiting for congressional approval. Johnson emphasized that the U.S. could not allow a state sponsor of terrorism to develop nuclear capabilities.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats, particularly regarding military decisions and communication protocols.
The White House’s efforts to clarify the notification process reflect a broader strategy to manage perceptions and ensure support for its actions in a highly charged political climate.
As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, the implications of this military action will likely influence both domestic politics and international relations in the region.
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