(WHTM) — A Pennsylvania congressman called for President Donald Trump’s removal from office, joining a chorus of Democrats after the president’s threat to Iran on Tuesday.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran fails to meet his deadline to strike a deal that includes opening the Strait of Hormuz. He has since pulled back on that threat, at least for two weeks.
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U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA17), a former U.S. Navy officer who represents Pittsburgh’s suburbs and all of Beaver County, condemned the rhetoric as “threats of a war crime” in a social media post of his own, writing it merited the president’s removal.
“Congress should return to Washington at once to put a stop to this and bring our troops home,” Deluzio said.
Other Democrats have come out against the president’s message, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who called Trump “an extremely sick person” while encouraging Republicans to join efforts to end the war in Iran.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA10) celebrated Trump’s reversal after a town hall Tuesday near Harrisburg. Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a two-week cease-fire agreement with the United States.
“He got the job done,” Perry said. “What did you expect?”
Deluzio has been critical of Trump’s handling of the military. The congressman, who served in Iraq, was one of six Democrats with military and intelligence backgrounds to release a video last year directly addressing active service members and saying, “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.”
Trump labeled the group “traitors” and suggested they could be locked up and punished by death.
Democratic congressman brings message to Scott Perry’s central Pa. district after military remark
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