It is a question of whether President Trump may unilaterally decide to overthrow another government using American military force — and whether that decision now passes without objection. The United States acted alone, using lethal military power inside another sovereign state. The power to declare war does not belong to the president. When war powers are exercised this way, Congress does not merely fail in its duties; it becomes ornamental. The Trump administration’s actions and justifications after the fact dissolve the boundary meant to restrain presidential power.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 04, 2026 14:02 UTC