In July 2017, North Korea began some dangerous missile testing. Some of the missiles are capable of destroying major American cities such as Chicago. Since then, the UN has imposed sanctions on North Korea and Donald Trump has made more than a few comments about the matter on social media. On Tuesday, Trump threatened Pyongyang with "Fire And Fury" if North Korea doesn't stop threatening the USA with the aforementioned missiles. Would Trump really be able to make such a decision and bomb North Korea though?
The debate about Congress' power
According to CNN, Trump's comments on Tuesday have caused a lot of debate and discussion in the legal community.
Several lawmakers have called for Congress to authorize preemptive military action against Pyongyang. Others are concerned about just how much power Trump actually has. As it turns out, the American Congress would not really be able to stop Trump, should he decide to bomb North Korea.
The White House doesn't seem to hold Congress' authority in very high regard. Trump's administration did not ask Congress' permission before the Syrian military strikes, according to CNN. Former press secretary Sean Spicer told the media in April that Congress would be notified of all of Trump's decisions but that there wouldn't really be much room for debate.
What is Trump really allowed to do?
According to The Hill, there is still much debate about what Trump is legally permitted to do.
Legal authorities have said that The War Powers Act of 1973 would allow Trump to bomb North Korea, so long as the conflict lasts for a period shorter than 60 days. This means that although he should first consult Congress, he can actually do what he wants.
CNN also reported that Trump would be allowed to do as he wishes if North Korea attacked the United States first.
Rep. Dave Brat told the media that it is important that Congress get involved. Although they may not have much authority in the short-term, it is important that they make their voice known when it comes to making long-term decisions about this area of conflict.
Many Reps have been criticizing Trump's comments, calling them "reckless" and "belligerent." Lawmakers are calling for a "time out," asking Trump to first consider more peaceful methods of resolving the situation. Convincing China to stop trade with North Korea would certainly be preferable to going straight to bombing countries.
