Where Michigan leaders stand on Iran air strikes
- Reaction among Michigan's congressional delegation fell along mostly partisan lines to President Trump's decision to attack nuclear sites in Iran
- Republicans back Trump, saying the attack won't prompt the sort of prolonged war the president has pledged to avoid
- Democrats are more muted, as some question the constitutionality of the attack
Reactions among Michigan’s congressional delegation fell along party lines to the US’ intervention in Israel’s war with Iran this weekend, as Republicans offered praise for President Trump and some Democrats questioned its constitutionality.
US warplanes attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, a dramatic escalation of the Mideast conflict.
Additional US planes and warships moved into the region, and Trump told the nation on Saturday that Iran “must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”
Michigan is home to about 5,300 people of Iranian descent and 129,000 Jews. Separately, the state also has 212,000 Arab-Americans.
On social media, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, said she has met with National Guard and Michigan State Police and is “monitoring the situation in Iran closely and taking steps to keep Michiganders safe.”
Campaigning for a second term as president, Trump promised to avoid overseas entanglements and wars.
“This was not a knee-jerk response, and knowing President Trump, he has no interest in dragging America into another endless war,” Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, posted on social media.
“The Iranian people are at a pivotal moment — with an opportunity to push back against a brutal regime and demand the basic human rights and freedoms they’ve been denied for too long.”
US Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, condemned the attack, while fellow Democratic Reps. Debbie Dingell questioned whether Trump had power to authorize the strikes without congressional approval.
Writing on social media, US Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, said “this is exactly why our founders built a role for Congress on issues of war and peace — to ensure questions of real consequence are answered before American men and women are engaged in war.”
Here’s a sample of the responses from both sides of the aisle.
Senate Democrats
My statement on the American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities: pic.twitter.com/AwyCkrresc
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) June 22, 2025
As someone who served in Iraq and saw up close the loss of blood and treasure over 20 years, I don’t want to be embroiled in another drawn out conflict, and neither do the American people.
— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) June 22, 2025
Read my full statement on the U.S. strikes on Iran: https://t.co/9xU9vZIMcL
House Republicans
Having served 40 years in the Marine Corps — many of those as an aviator — I can say with confidence that today’s U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran showcased truly impressive precision.
— Rep. Jack Bergman (@RepJackBergman) June 22, 2025
President Trump has long made it clear: Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon —…
I anticipate a full briefing of our military strike in Iran immediately upon my return to Washington. Tonight, I am praying for wisdom in our decisions, President Trump and his team, and the safety of our troops. God bless the United States of America. https://t.co/UGyGpqkAjf
— Congressman Tom Barrett (@RepTomBarrett) June 22, 2025
After attempting to negotiate peace through diplomacy, President Trump took decisive action. We must ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon and usher in a new age of nuclear terrorism. I commend the men and women of our Armed Forces for their performance in this…
— Rep. Bill Huizenga (@RepHuizenga) June 22, 2025
Iran Cannot Have a Nuclear Weapon.
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) June 22, 2025
Peace Through Strength.
Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/RYpM3x8crB
President Trump is delivering PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.
— Chairwoman Lisa McClain (@RepLisaMcClain) June 22, 2025
Today’s successful mission destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities, protected American lives, and will make the world safer. Now, it’s time for peace.
God bless America and our warfighters! 🇺🇸
President Trump has been consistent. A nuclear Iran poses a grave threat to our nation, our military, and our allies. His decision to strike Iran is necessary to keep us and our allies safe, and ensure the largest sponsor of terror in the world does not develop nuclear weapons.
— Rep. John Moolenaar (@RepMoolenaar) June 22, 2025
Tonight, President @realDonaldTrump displayed decisive action to eliminate the nuclear program of the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.
— Rep. Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) June 22, 2025
President Trump pursued and exhausted diplomatic options, and to protect the security of our nation, this moment called for strong…
House Democrats
My statement on Trump’s action in Iran. pic.twitter.com/BqJ2gezK5X
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) June 22, 2025
Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
— Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (@RepScholten) June 22, 2025
As the president takes action without congressional approval, my thoughts are with our troops. The American people deserve a voice—through Congress—before our troops are sent to serve in another endless war.
For decades, Iran has been the largest state sponsor of terrorism, causing chaos in the Middle East, and putting Americans and our allies in danger. For them to obtain a nuclear weapon would make peace in the Middle East unachievable and make our country and our world an unsafe…
— Rep. Haley Stevens (@RepHaleyStevens) June 22, 2025
This evening, the United States military successfully conducted strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities. Our military is the best in the world and carried out the mission with skill and precision. Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) June 22, 2025
However, these are wartime actions…
President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution. pic.twitter.com/pqzAeS4K19
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) June 22, 2025
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, US Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet had not publicly commented on the situation.
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