Central Ohio Lawmakers Divided on Trump's Iran Airstrikes

Democratic and Republican representatives take opposing stances on the president's military action.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Central Ohio's elected officials in Congress have split along party lines in their reactions to President Donald Trump's recent airstrikes in Iran, which killed the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several U.S. troops. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty criticized the president's authorization of the attack without congressional approval, while nearby Republican representatives Mike Carey and Troy Balderson praised Trump's decisive action to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions and state-sponsored terrorism.

Why it matters

The differing reactions from Central Ohio lawmakers reflect the broader partisan divide in Congress over the president's use of military force, particularly without explicit congressional authorization. The airstrikes have also heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about potential retaliation and further escalation of the conflict.

The details

President Trump announced the American airstrikes on Iran on February 28, which killed Ayatollah Khamenei and around 300 civilians. Four U.S. military members have been killed in the operation so far. Rep. Beatty criticized Trump's actions as "reckless" and called on Congress to address the president's "reckless actions." In contrast, Reps. Carey and Balderson praised Trump for demonstrating "decisive action" to halt Iran's nuclear program and state-sponsored terrorism.

  • The airstrikes were announced by President Trump on February 28, 2026.
  • As of March 1, 2026, three U.S. military members had been killed in the operation.

The players

Rep. Joyce Beatty

Democratic U.S. Representative for Ohio's 3rd congressional district, which includes parts of Columbus and central Ohio.

Rep. Mike Carey

Republican U.S. Representative for Ohio's 15th congressional district, which includes western suburbs of Columbus, the southwestern part of the capital city, southeastern suburbs, and some rural counties in west-central Ohio.

Rep. Troy Balderson

Republican U.S. Representative for Ohio's 12th congressional district, which includes Licking County, part of Delaware County, and other counties in central Ohio.

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who authorized the airstrikes in Iran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran, who was killed in the U.S. airstrikes.

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What they’re saying

“Now, his reckless actions have put American troops in danger, leaving them vulnerable to retaliation.”

— Rep. Joyce Beatty (X)

“My thoughts and prayers are with our heroic American service members, including the three killed and five wounded, and with the courageous people of Iran who stood up to this evil regime.”

— Rep. Mike Carey (X)

“After rejecting repeated opportunities for a peaceful, diplomatic solution, Iran now faces decisive action from President Trump that eliminates this threat and defends American security.”

— Rep. Troy Balderson (X)

The takeaway

The differing reactions from Central Ohio lawmakers highlight the partisan divide in Congress over the president's use of military force, particularly without explicit congressional authorization. The airstrikes have heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about potential retaliation and further escalation of the conflict.