Gov. Josh Shapiro on Sunday sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against Iran, arguing the president acted “unilaterally” without congressional approval and failed to present a clear strategy to the American people.
In a statement released hours after the strikes were announced, Shapiro said, “In our democracy, the American people – through our elected representatives – decide when our nation goes to war,” adding that Trump acted, “without Congressional approval and outside of the guardrails set up by our founders in Philadelphia nearly 250 years ago.”
The United States and Israel launched a military attack on Iran early Saturday morning, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian state media announced. The United States Department of Defense has dubbed the military action “Operation Epic Fury.”
Shapiro said the Trump administration has not demonstrated a clear plan for the military campaign and warned the escalation could endanger American troops and undermine national security interests.
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, whose 3rd Congressional District includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City, also condemned the strikes.
“These escalations only put American lives, at home and abroad, at greater risk and drag our country towards another endless war,” said Evans.
Philly Iranians, a local nonprofit group “calling for a free, secular, democratic Iran,” marched from the Art Museum to City Hall on Sunday. Demonstrators also gathered in Center City on Saturday to protest the war, many holding signs pleading for peace and justice.
“Trump promised Americans no new wars. Every word out of his damn mouth is a lie,” Democratic state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who represents parts of North Philadelphia, posted on X.
Both Pennsylvania senators praised the military operation. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said, “President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,” with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a republican, also sharing his support.
“For decades, the Iranian regime has killed Americans, threatened Israel and our allies in the region with their ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions, and butchered tens of thousands of its own people,” McCormick stated. “They are the world’s number one sponsor of terror.”
“I am praying for our brave troops and our steadfast allies who stand with us during this challenging and noble mission.”