Marylanders are reacting to President Donald Trump’s committing the United States’ military to a war on Iran, and their elected officials put out statements nearly immediately after joint U.S./Israeli operations were launched against three locations in Iran on Saturday.
Trump’s stated justification was that he was “not happy” with the way negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program were going. The operation, called “Epic Fury”, killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and around 40 other senior military and political figures. On Sunday, Trump predicted the assault could last “four to five weeks”.
On Monday, March 2, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said it would not be an “endless” war. He also did not, however, rule out American boots on the ground in Iran. Four American troops have been killed in action so far, and three American fighter jets have been shot down by friendly fire, though all six pilots ejected safely and are in stable condition.
The following is a round-up of Saturday’s statements made by some of Maryland elected officials, a few of which have been edited for brevity and all of which have links to the official’s website with the full statement. To find out how to contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives in Congress, click this link.
“As Governor of the State of Maryland, I have a solemn duty to protect the safety and security of all Marylanders. I am closely monitoring the ongoing military operations in Iran and their implications both at home and abroad. Given Maryland’s unique role in our nation’s defense, with a significant concentration of active-duty service members, the Maryland National Guard, military installations, and defense facilities throughout our state, international military actions have a direct and profound impact on Maryland families and communities….
“For decades the Iranian regime has been an agent of terror in the region and we have been able to reach bipartisan consensus to restrict nuclear capabilities and promote stability in the region. We can stand with the Iranian people who support the cause of democracy and freedom without risking another conflict that sends another generation of American troops into combat.
“I am in constant communication with public safety officials and senior military advisors to ensure we are taking every measure necessary to protect our state and its residents. We are closely coordinating with federal and local partners to monitor any potential threats to our homeland, with particular outreach to our places of worship, and will ensure the readiness of our emergency response capabilities.
“Dawn and I are praying for peace, and we thank our brave service members who stand watch in harm’s way.”
SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.)
Van Hollen sent press contacts an email statement and posted a video on his website as his official response. Both are listed below.
Van Hollen’s email to press:
“Trump is lying to the American people as he launches an illegal, regime-change war against Iran. This is endangering American lives and has already resulted in mass civilian casualties. This is not making us safer and only damages the U.S. and our interests. The Senate must immediately vote on the War Powers Resolution to stop it.”
Van Hollen’s video statement in response to the strikes:
SENATOR ANGELA ALSOBROOKS (D-Md.)
“The President said he would end wars — not start them. He lied.
“The President said he obliterated the Iranian nuclear program. He lied.
“The American people have no reason to trust this man with the lives of our sons and daughters.
“The Constitution is clear: ‘The Congress shall have Power…To declare War.’
“Senators who still believe in the Constitution should join me in demanding we return to Washington today and vote on Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution.
“Those who don’t will make it clear once and for all that they no longer recognize the authority of Congress to declare war. And history will record that when the Constitution was cast aside, they did not stand in its defense — they stood in its way.”
“Once again President Trump has launched another missile attack on another nation without Congressional approval or involvement,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “His repeated, illegal, and deadly actions continue to endanger our homeland by killing innocent civilians overseas and risking the lives of our service personnel. I call on Republicans in the Congress to stand with us and vote against this latest military action by this reckless and maniacal President.”
“President Trump pledged to avoid wars. His actions today may instead begin one.
“Iran is led by a brutal and oppressive regime that can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. Our commitment to peace and democracy in Iran as well as the freedom of its people is unwavering.
“Military action can be justified, but President Trump has an obligation to make the argument for such action to the Congress and the American people…. Trump has failed to make an argument for military strikes, or to identify an imminent threat from Iran. Once again, he has failed to explain the objective, the strategy, the risks, what comes next, and – most importantly – how this benefits America. As a result, there are American troops and civilians in harm’s way. I pray for their safety….
“Our system requires checks and balances. Congress must act now to reclaim its constitutional power to authorize military force.”
“This morning, Americans woke up once again to news of the United States entering another undefined foreign conflict that put the lives of even more servicemembers at risk. The President himself admitted that American lives may be lost in this conflict. I’m thinking of our men and women in uniform who deserve clear answers and strategy, the American people who deserve assurance that we are not entering another forever war, and the Iranian people who deserve self-determination.
“There is no doubt that Iran’s human rights violations and nuclear ambitions must be confronted, but after the President boldly declared that Iran’s nuclear program was set back decades by a first set of strikes less than a year ago, we are once again attacking Iran without more clarity, legal justification, or consultation of Congress.
“Congress has the clear Constitutional authority to authorize strikes against enemies and declare war. Next week, the House of Representatives will take up a War Powers Resolution to end hostilities with Iran. I will be supporting this resolution… For the Maryland families I represent, I will utilize my role on the House Armed Services Committee to press for Congressional authority, transparency, and oppose rushing into an endless and unnecessary conflict in the Middle East.”
REP. APRIL MCCLAIN DELANEY (MD-06)
“I have been very clear that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon – as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism it is in the security interests of the United States and our allies that Iran never possess the world’s most deadly and destructive technology.
“But under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war. Trump has not made his case to Congress or to the American people explaining why this action is justified and the consequences. Without that transparency and authorization – and considering Trump’s consistent pattern of unlawful and reckless behavior – there is no reason to trust any decision Trump makes that could endanger American lives, including our brave service members carrying out this mission, without congressional approval. Congress must reassert our constitutional authority immediately.”
