Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie has publicly criticised President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran, warning that bombing the country will not distract from political and legal controversies surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Massie, a seven-term incumbent, said he will push for Congress to vote on the Iran war, joining forces with other Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna of California.
“Bombing a country on the other side of the globe won’t make the Epstein files go away, any more than the Dow going above 50,000 will,” Massie wrote on X
The popular Trump critic emphasized that congressional oversight is essential and that representatives must be held accountable for authorizing war. Massie has consistently opposed Trump’s unilateral military actions, including last year’s strike on Iran, and voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, citing constitutional concerns.
201 Killed in Iran After U.S. and Israel Launch Joint Attack
The United States, in coordination with Israel, launched extensive airstrikes across Iran following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel’s military reported dropping over 1,200 munitions across 24 Iranian provinces in the first wave of strikes, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and Israeli targets, including sites in Tel Aviv.
The resulting casualties are severe as Iranian authorities report at least 201 killed and over 740 injured, including at least 148 deaths in a single strike on an elementary girls’ school in Minab. Israel reported nine dead and over 120 injured, while three U.S. soldiers were killed and five wounded. Other countries in the region, including Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, have suffered casualties or damage from Iranian attacks or intercepted missiles.
Republicans Praise Trump’s Military Action Against Iran
Massie’s criticism contrasts sharply with that of other Kentucky Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who praised the strikes as a necessary response to Iran’s history of violence and terrorism. McConnell stated, “A regime that relishes killing Arabs, Israelis, Americans, and its own people deserves no sympathy.”
Republican Senate candidate and former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, Trump’s endorsed primary challenger to Massie, called the strikes a message of deterrence, defending decisive action and military strength as means to prevent broader wars and save American lives. Gallrein said, “Decisive action, clear objectives, and overwhelming strength save American lives and prevent larger wars, death, and destruction.”
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Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul echoed constitutional concerns, invoking John Quincy Adams’ 19th-century warning that America should not seek monsters abroad but defend freedom only at home. Paul emphasized that Congress, not the executive branch, has the power to declare war and expressed concern about another presidential military engagement.
Democratic voices also criticized Trump’s actions. U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey of Louisville called the strikes “another illegal war,” warning that American troops, families, and taxpayers are at risk without congressional approval.
The House is expected to consider an Iran War Powers Resolution to check executive authority, with Massie signaling strong support.
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