A video capturing Senator Bernie Sanders’ raw, unfiltered reaction to President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on Iran has taken social media by storm, racking up millions of views in just 24 hours. The footage, filmed during a campaign stop for Sanders’ “Fight Oligarchy” tour in Tulsa, Oklahoma, shows the progressive senator delivering an impassioned, emotional response the moment he learned about the military action against Iran’s nuclear sites.
In the clip, Sanders reads Trump’s statement aloud to the gathered crowd, who quickly erupt in boos and chants of “No more war!” The Vermont senator nods in agreement, emphasizing the urgency and unconstitutionality of the strikes. “This is not just news I just heard—it is completely unconstitutional,” Sanders told the audience, noting that only Congress has the authority to declare war. The crowd responded with a thunderous standing ovation and a chorus of “No more war,” as Sanders raised his hand in solidarity.
The airstrikes targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran since June 13. Israel had called on the United States to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was approaching nuclear weapons capability, while Iran maintains its nuclear program is strictly civilian. Trump described the operation as “a very successful strike” while simultaneously urging for peace, but the move immediately drew bipartisan criticism for potentially violating the U.S. Constitution.
Sanders amplified these concerns, referencing the lessons of the Iraq War. “The American people were deceived about Iraq, and the consequences were tragic. Today, history is repeating itself,” he said in a statement to Newsweek, warning that another Middle Eastern conflict could escalate quickly and result in widespread regional destabilization.
The viral video was first posted by Sanders on X (formerly Twitter) on June 21, and by the afternoon of June 22, it had already been viewed more than five million times. It was reshared by over 20,000 accounts and garnered more than 101,000 likes, demonstrating the intensity of public interest in the senator’s reaction.
Sanders’ statements and the video come at a critical moment of debate over presidential war powers. Earlier in the week, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced a War Powers Resolution designed to limit the president’s authority to escalate military conflict without congressional approval. Following the announcement of the airstrikes, Massie described the action as “unconstitutional” on X, echoing Sanders’ concerns about executive overreach.
The senator’s reaction underscores broader unease among lawmakers and experts regarding the potential for escalating military conflicts in the Middle East. Jennifer Kavanagh, senior fellow and director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, warned that the situation could rapidly spiral. “Prime Minister Netanyahu has openly stated his goal to change the regime in Iran, and he clearly wants U.S. support for that objective. President Trump will face immense pressure, which could lead the U.S. into another prolonged regional war,” Kavanagh said.
During the one-minute, thirteen-second video, Sanders pauses multiple times, letting the crowd absorb the news while explaining the constitutional and ethical stakes. “Everyone here knows that only Congress has the power to put this country into war,” he said. “The president does not have that right.” The crowd erupted into applause and cheers as Sanders’ words resonated with voters and activists concerned about the legality and morality of the strikes.
Beyond legal concerns, Sanders highlighted the domestic implications of foreign military escalation. “America is already facing serious challenges here at home. We cannot allow ourselves to be dragged into another Middle Eastern war based on deception,” he said. His remarks called attention to the human and economic costs of conflict, as well as the importance of upholding constitutional checks and balances.
The public reaction to Sanders’ video has been intense, sparking debates across social media platforms and news outlets. Many Americans expressed support for his stance, sharing the clip with comments highlighting fears of repeat mistakes from past conflicts like Iraq. Others debated the necessity of the strikes, questioning whether military action could deter Iran from pursuing nuclear capabilities or whether diplomacy should take priority.
The situation remains tense. With Iran vowing retaliation and the potential for further escalation in the region, Sanders’ live reaction has struck a chord with Americans wary of sudden military actions. His message emphasizes both caution and constitutional accountability, urging citizens and lawmakers to question unilateral decisions that could thrust the nation into another prolonged conflict.
As the viral clip continues to circulate, the conversation over the legality, morality, and necessity of the Iran strikes is intensifying. Bernie Sanders’ immediate, impassioned response has not only captured attention online but has reignited national debate over presidential authority, constitutional oversight, and America’s role in the Middle East.
See details below👇👇
Leave a Reply