The Utah Democratic Party, the Utah Democratic Veterans’ Caucus, and Democratic leaders condemn Donald Trump’s unilateral strike on Iran, warning that it risks American lives, undermines the Constitution, and diverts resources away from urgent needs at home.
“Overnight and without congressional approval, Donald Trump initiated major combat operations against Iran,” said Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King. “Every dollar spent on another foreign war is a dollar taken from the schools, hospitals, and paychecks of working families here at home. Striking Iran does nothing to address affordability, to ease the burden on everyday Utahns, or to strengthen our communities. Instead it risks pulling hardworking Americans into a costly conflict driven more by ego and political calculation in Washington than by the needs of families across this country.”
DNC Chair Ken Martin echoed those concerns, saying Trump “sold voters on a ‘pro-peace’ vision of himself as an America First candidate,” yet has escalated foreign conflicts while Americans “are paying more every day because of Trump’s actions.” He added, “our nation deserves better than a government that shoots first and asks questions later.”
Members of the Utah Democratic Veterans’ Caucus called the strike unprovoked and unnecessary, noting that Iran did not present an imminent threat and that diplomatic negotiations were ongoing.
“The President is risking innocent lives without a clear or compelling rationale,” the Caucus said in a joint statement. “He has not sought approval from the representatives of the People in Congress as required by law. He has not made a compelling case to the American people. He has chosen a new ‘forever war’ without a plan to pay for it, saddling generations of Americans with future debt.”
“There is no guarantee that Air power alone will ensure regime change or a peaceful transition of power,” the Caucus said. “We hope and pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in arms and for the freedom of the Iranian people. We agree Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. That said, when Americans die as a result of this operation, our blood is on the hands of President Trump and the representatives in Congress who refused to restrain him when they had the chance.”
“Trump promised voters he would put America first and keep us out of endless wars,” Chair King added. “Instead, he has once again bypassed Congress and put our troops in harm’s way while failing to deliver for working families struggling with rising costs here at home.”
Utah Democrats call on Congress to assert its constitutional authority and prioritize the safety of American servicemembers and the economic security of families here at home.
