Senator Slams Trump’s ‘Unhinged’ Iran Threats, Warns of War Crimes

Senator Slams Trump’s ‘Unhinged’ Iran Threats, Warns of War Crimes

Maryland Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, strongly condemned President Trump’s recent threats against Iran, calling the president “completely unhinged.” Van Hollen stated that Trump is threatening “massive war crimes against the Iranian people” and urged Republicans to speak out against the president’s actions. The senator argued that the war with Iran was a mistake from the start and that Congress must prevent further funding for what he described as an illegal conflict.

Speaking on a news program, Van Hollen reacted to President Trump’s statement that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” He expressed disbelief at the president’s rhetoric, pointing out that the people of Iran do not want their country bombed. Van Hollen emphasized the need for a unified voice, including from Republicans, to make it clear that the president’s current path is unacceptable and dangerous.

Republicans Face Accountability Over Iran Funding

Senator Van Hollen noted a sense of unease among his Republican colleagues regarding the situation with Iran. However, he observed that none have publicly opposed the president’s course of action. Van Hollen believes that accountability will come through budget votes, where Republicans will be forced to take a stance.

The president has requested approximately $200 billion for the war effort, along with a significant increase in the overall defense budget. Van Hollen stated that Republicans will have to decide whether to provide more funds for continuing what he calls “war crimes.” He specifically mentioned the potential for the president to demolish civilian infrastructure, a move he believes the American people, regardless of party, do not support.

Public Opposition and Broken Promises

Van Hollen asserted that the American public does not like what they are seeing and does not want to be involved in a war that costs lives and money. He highlighted that President Trump, who promised to end wars and lower prices, is doing the opposite. The senator expressed doubt that Republicans would reject the funding the president is seeking for the conflict.

The senator also questioned the role of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner in the ongoing negotiations and conflict. He noted that while these individuals have played a role, Secretary Pompeo’s current involvement seems less visible. Van Hollen suggested that the administration’s shifting statements about the war’s goals and lack of a clear endgame are problematic.

“We have a completely unhinged president who is threatening massive war crimes against the Iranian people. That’s what he’s doing.”

– Senator Chris Van Hollen

Confusion Over Negotiation and Escalation

Van Hollen expressed uncertainty about Secretary Pompeo’s exact role in the current negotiations. He stated that the public is not receiving clear answers from administration officials. The senator pointed to the fact that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were engaged in talks with Iran just before President Trump ordered strikes against the country.

This timing, Van Hollen argued, makes it difficult for Iran to trust any American negotiators. He also addressed comments from Texas Republican Congressman Pat Fallon, who suggested that U.S. troops might be deployed into Iran. Van Hollen admitted he does not know the president’s exact thinking but characterized him as “unhinged” and compared him to a “mad dog.”

Risks and Unnecessary Conflict

The senator called the potential deployment of U.S. troops into Iran a huge mistake, though he acknowledged the president has already made significant errors. Regarding classified briefings, Van Hollen stated he has not seen any information that was not already publicly known. He stressed that the missions involve immense risks to American service members.

Van Hollen concluded by emphasizing that no American lives should be lost in this conflict. He labeled the war as unnecessary, illegal, and a choice made by the president. Ultimately, he believes this conflict is making the United States less safe, not more secure.

Source: 'Completely unhinged president who is threatening massive war crimes' against Iran: Dem Sen. (YouTube)