Is is true that Congress has not formally approved, in any meaningful alternative way (except belatedly through the appropriations process) many military strikes?
Can u provide a full list of military strikes w/out presidents obtaining congressional approval for?
Since World War II, U.S. presidents have frequently ordered military strikes without obtaining formal congressional approval or declarations of war. Here is a list of notable instances where presidents authorized military actions without prior congressional consent, based on historical precedent and legal interpretations:
Civil War (1863)
President Abraham Lincoln imposed a naval blockade of Confederate ports without a Congressional declaration of war, later upheld by the Supreme Court.robertcliftonrobinson
Korean War (1950-1953)
President Harry Truman committed U.S. forces under United Nations auspices without congressional declaration.robertcliftonrobinson
Vietnam War (1960s-1970s)
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964) gave broad military authority without a formal war declaration. Presidents Johnson and Nixon expanded military actions, including secret bombings in Cambodia.wikipedia+1
Invasion of Grenada (1983)
President Ronald Reagan ordered the invasion without explicit congressional authorization.fcnl
Invasion of Panama (1989)
President George H.W. Bush launched military intervention without Congress's prior approval; debated in terms of War Powers compliance.fcnl
Kosovo Air Campaign (1998-1999)
President Bill Clinton ordered airstrikes on Yugoslavia without Congressional authorization.fcnl
Afghanistan War (2001-present)
Authorized under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), not a formal declaration of war.fcnl
Iraq War (2003)
Authorization by Congress via the 2002 AUMF, but no formal declaration of war.fcnl
Libya Airstrikes (2011)
President Barack Obama authorized airstrikes in Libya without Congress’s approval.constitutioncenter
Syria Missile Strikes (2017, 2018)
President Donald Trump ordered missile strikes against Syrian targets without congressional approval.robertcliftonrobinson
Soleimani Drone Strike (2020)
President Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani without explicit Congressional authorization, citing self-defense.robertcliftonrobinson
Iran Nuclear Facility Strikes (2025)
President Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, announcing limited strikes without prior Congressional approval.robertcliftonrobinson
| Year | Operation / Conflict | President | Congressional Approval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1863 | Naval blockade (Civil War) | Abraham Lincoln | No | Supreme Court upheld blockade |
| 1950–1953 | Korean War | Harry Truman | No | UN mandate, no declaration |
| 1964–1973 | Vietnam War | Johnson, Nixon | No | Gulf of Tonkin Resolution |
| 1983 | Grenada invasion | Ronald Reagan | No | Controversial use of war powers |
| 1989 | Panama invasion | George H.W. Bush | No | Legal debates on War Powers compliance |
| 1998–1999 | Kosovo air campaign | Bill Clinton | No | Airstrikes without authorization |
| 2001–present | Afghanistan War | George W. Bush, etc. | Authorization Only | Based on 2001 AUMF |
| 2003 | Iraq War | George W. Bush | Authorization Only | Not a formal war declaration |
| 2011 | Libya airstrikes | Barack Obama | No | Post-hoc notification |
| 2017, 2018 | Syrian missile strikes | Donald Trump | No | Limited strikes |
| 2020 | Soleimani drone strike | Donald Trump | No | Self-defense claim |
| 2025 | Iran nuclear sites strike | Donald Trump | No | Limited strikes |
The War Powers Resolution (1973) was enacted to restrict presidents’ ability to conduct military operations without congressional approval. It requires notification within 48 hours and limits combat without authorization to 60 days plus withdrawal window. However, presidents often challenge its constitutionality and continue to order strikes without prior approval.wikipedia+1
Since 1973, over 168 military operations have been reported under the War Powers Resolution, often without formal declaration or explicit congressional consent.nolabels
Presidents justify these actions based on their constitutional role as commander-in-chief and legal opinions supporting limited military action for self-defense or to protect national interests.constitutioncenter+1
Final Summary:
U.S. presidents have a long history of authorizing military strikes and actions without congressional approval. Although Congress retains the constitutional power to declare war, presidents frequently act unilaterally, particularly for limited or urgent military engagements, often triggering post-action notifications under the War Powers Resolution but bypassing formal congressional declarations.nolabels+4
Thanks for posting that. I knew I’d seen that info before and hoped someone would post it here.
Now maybe the media needs to be informed. I’m sure most know the truth; they just ignore it.
Thank you for a most informative post.
Protect national interests he did why waste time sinking boats and go to the top of the problem.
Left out Reagan striking Libyia. Unless I missed it.
Some of this is hard to follow. Am I right that you are saying that Ai called for Trump to be impeached? Which one?
Missing context = this was not an act of war. There were diversionary explosions and special forces snatched a man with a bounty on his head. It was a police action.
I think we are agreeing overall, I’m just not real sharp and am looking for clarity.
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