Trump administration briefed lawmakers before Israeli strikes
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Trump administration officials provided classified briefings for congressional leaders before Israel struck Iran yesterday, with more planned for next week when lawmakers return to Washington, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Briefing key lawmakers is a matter of protocol. But it's also a way for the White House to guard against second-guessing from Congress, especially if U.S. forces are targeted by Iran and the conflict turns into a broader war.
- In briefings with senior members of Congress, White House officials have told them the administration isn't involved and doesn't think Israel attacking Iran is the appropriate thing to do at the moment, a U.S. official told Axios' Barak Ravid.
Driving the news: Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) received briefings before the strikes began, according to people familiar with the matter.
- "Pursuant to federal law, I expect to receive a high-level briefing on the unfolding situation in the Middle East from the administration expeditiously," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.
- "However, in advance of that briefing, there are core principles that remain foundational in the Middle East theater, one of the toughest neighborhoods in the world," Jeffries said.
Zoom in: Members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence expect to be briefed by administration officials when senators return to Washington Monday afternoon, according to a person familiar with the matter.
- Senate Intel staff were briefed this morning, with a second briefing planned for this afternoon.
Zoom out: The White House wants to ensure that Congress has real-time and accurate information on Israeli's strikes against Iran as well as Iranian response.
- In public, Trump officials have been clear that the U.S. did not participate In Israel's first round of attacks, which targeted Iran's military leadership and its nuclear facilities.
What they're saying: Many lawmakers voiced their support for Israel, but others raised their concerns about where the conflict might head.
- "I applaud the bravery and audacity of Prime Minister Netanyahu, the IDF, and the Mossad. And I commend President Trump for his consistent support for Israel and opposition to Iran's nuclear program," Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), the Senate Intel Chair, said on X.
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said: "Israel's strikes against Iran represent an escalation that is deeply concerning and will inevitably invite counterattacks."
