Tipsheet

Flashback: Pelosi Said Obama Did Not Need Authorization to Attack Libya

The House passed a non-binding War Powers resolution on Thursday to rebuke the president for his decision to take out Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. 

"We deserve the respect from the administration and that Congress deserves under the Constitution,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said from the House floor. “The Constitution of the United States calls that there be cooperation when initiating hostilities."

After an American defense contractor was killed by an Iranian-backed militia and our embassy in Iraq was attacked on New Year's Eve, Trump retaliated by taking out the Iranian terrorist who had coordinated the strikes, had the blood of more than 600 Americans on his hands and who was actively plotting to kill many more. Following the successful U.S. strike against Qasem Soleimani, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is suddenly waling about Congress' war powers and criticizing the president for failing to consult Congress before killing the known terrorist. 

"The administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congress’ war powers granted to it by the Constitution,” Pelosi said about the U.S. strike that killed Qasem Soleimani.  

But back when President Obama decided to bomb Libya in 2011, in response to zero Americans being killed, Pelosi defended Obama's decision at the time by saying the president did not need congressional authorization to launch such attacks nor to keep U.S. forces in Libya. 

But like many things, Pelosi and the Democrats' views on the power of the executive branch have changed since Donald Trump became president.