Rep. Adam Smith Weighs In on U.S. Strikes on Iran

Ranking House Armed Services Committee member discusses Trump's war powers authorization.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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NPR's Leila Fadel interviewed Democratic Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, about President Trump's unilateral authorization to strike Iran.

Why it matters

The debate over a president's war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military action is an ongoing constitutional issue, with implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security.

The details

Rep. Smith discussed the recent U.S. strikes on Iran and the broader debate over the extent of the president's authority to order military action without explicit congressional approval.

  • The interview took place on March 2, 2026.

The players

Rep. Adam Smith

Democratic representative from Washington state and the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee.

President Trump

The former U.S. president who authorized the strikes on Iran.

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What they’re saying

“The debate over a president's war powers and the role of Congress in authorizing military action is an ongoing constitutional issue, with implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security.”

— Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee (NPR)

The takeaway

This interview highlights the continued tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the use of military force, an issue that will likely persist and shape future U.S. foreign policy decisions.