This notification was provided in a letter dated May 1, which marks precisely 60 days since the White House initially notified Congress about military operations that began on February 28 in coordination with Israel, according to The Guardian. The law mandates that the president must secure congressional approval if military action persists beyond this timeframe.
In his correspondence, Trump stated that the operation, titled ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ was executed “to safeguard Americans and United States interests both domestically and internationally, and to further United States national security and foreign policy goals.”
The letter mentioned that Trump had ordered a two-week pause in hostilities starting April 7, which has since been prolonged.
“There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that commenced on February 28, 2026, have concluded,” he asserted.
The letter was delivered to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley.
By announcing the end of hostilities, the administration has navigated around the legal obligation to seek further authorization. Many Republican lawmakers have not contested the president’s military actions, making a congressional challenge improbable.
Addressing reporters on the same day, Trump dismissed the necessity of congressional approval, claiming that such permissions have not been historically sought and questioning the legitimacy of the law itself, labeling it ‘totally unconstitutional.’
“Nobody’s ever asked for it before. It’s never been used before. Why should we be different?” he remarked.
This position has sparked significant backlash from Democrats and legal organizations, who argue that this undermines congressional oversight. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer publicly criticized the decision.
“This is an illegal war, and every day Republicans remain complicit and allow it to continue is another day lives are endangered, chaos erupts, and prices increase, all while Americans foot the bill,” he expressed on X.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 imposes restrictions on how a US president can deploy military forces without direct congressional approval. It stipulates that the president must regularly report to Congress.
Under this law, military action is permitted without prior authorization only in particular circumstances, such as when Congress has declared war, provided specific authorization, or in response to an attack on US territory or military forces.
If Congress does not approve the use of force, operations must typically cease within 60 days unless lawmakers opt to extend that period.
