The Libertarian Party of Illinois issued a statement Tuesday condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The party called for immediate congressional intervention to prevent further escalation and urged the passage of “Defend the Guard” legislation at the state level.
On Saturday, President Trump ordered a series of coordinated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The operation, carried out by B-2 stealth bombers and long-range missiles, was launched without prior congressional authorization. Shortly after the mission, Trump posted on Truth Social celebrating its success and declared, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
In its response, the Libertarian Party of Illinois cited Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution and said the strikes violated the principle that only Congress has the power to declare war. Party Chair Jim Humay said the attacks endanger American lives, including the 40,000 U.S. troops stationed in the region, and risk plunging the nation into “another endless war.”
“The President’s claim of seeking peace after bombing Iran is disingenuous,” Humay added. “Illinoisans deserve a government that upholds the Constitution and prioritizes diplomacy over destruction.”
The statement called for repeal of the War Powers Act, describing it as an unconstitutional delegation of congressional authority. It also endorsed the bipartisan War Powers resolution introduced by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, and urged passage of Defend the Guard legislation in Illinois to limit National Guard deployments to conflicts without a formal congressional declaration of war.
The full statement as submitted to Independent Political Report is republished below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Libertarian Party of Illinois Condemns Unconstitutional U.S. Bombing of Iran and Calls for Repeal of the War Powers Act
SPRINGFIELD, IL, June 24th, 2025 – The Libertarian Party of Illinois (LPIL) unequivocally condemns President Donald Trump’s unauthorized military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, announced on June 21, 2025. These unilateral attacks, executed without congressional approval, violate the U.S. Constitution and threaten to escalate into a catastrophic conflict in the Middle East.
The U.S. Constitution, under Article I, Section 8, grants Congress the exclusive authority to declare war. The recent bombing campaign, involving B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles, is an unconstitutional act of war initiated by the executive branch. The Libertarian Party of Illinois stands with Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) and others who have denounced these strikes as a breach of constitutional principles.
The War Powers Act of 1973, intended to limit presidential war-making powers, has instead enabled executives to bypass Congress and wage unauthorized wars. The LPIL demands the immediate repeal of the War Powers Act, as it unconstitutionally delegates congressional authority to the President, undermining the separation of powers critical to preserving liberty.
“These unconstitutional strikes endanger American lives, including the 40,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East, and risk plunging our nation into another endless war,” said Jim Humay, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Illinois. “The President’s claim of seeking peace after bombing Iran is disingenuous. Illinoisans deserve a government that upholds the Constitution and prioritizes diplomacy over destruction.”
The LPIL calls for:
Immediate Congressional Action: Support for bipartisan War Powers Resolutions, such as those introduced by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, to halt unauthorized hostilities and restore Congress’s constitutional authority.
Repeal of the War Powers Act: Eliminate this unconstitutional law to prevent future executive overreach and ensure Congress alone can authorize military action.
Passing Defend the Guard Legislation in Illinois: Enact state-level Defend the Guard legislation to prohibit the deployment of Illinois National Guard units to foreign conflicts without a formal congressional declaration of war, protecting our service members from unconstitutional conflicts.
De-escalation and Diplomacy: An immediate cessation of military actions in Iran and any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz and make a commitment to transparent diplomacy to prevent further conflict.
The Libertarian Party of Illinois is committed to peace, constitutional governance, and individual liberty. We urge Illinois’ congressional delegation and state legislators to oppose this unauthorized war, support the repeal of the War Powers Act, and pass Defend the Guard legislation to safeguard our National Guard and uphold the Constitution.
For more information about the Libertarian Party of Illinois, visit www.lpillinois.org.
ABOUT THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF ILLINOIS
The Libertarian Party of Illinois champions limited government, individual freedom, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. We are dedicated to restoring constitutional principles and promoting peace through diplomacy and free trade.
MEDIA CONTACT
Justin Tucker
Executive Director
[email protected]
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