Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” argued that the president is not violating the War Powers Act or any other laws with military actions in Iran: <\/p>\n
KRISTEN WELKER: Is the president effectively arguing that he can avoid congressional approval by avoiding using the word “war?” ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL TODD BLANCHE: He’s not effectively arguing anything except that he is trying to keep this country safe. We have kept Congress updated at every step of the way, consistent with what other presidents have done. President Trump is doing something that the past five presidents did not do. They promised to do it, they promised, “Oh, we’ll stop Iran.” “Oh, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” President Trump is doing what others have promised but failed to do. And as far as what we’re doing with Congress, keeping them updated, we are doing so. KRISTEN WELKER: As you know, Democrats and even some Republicans say that the ceasefire’s not enough to override this 60-day benchmark. Republican Senator Susan Collins posted, quote, “The president’s authority as commander in chief is not without limits. That deadline is not a suggestion. It is a requirement.” Are there any legal limits on the president’s powers to carry out the war with Iran? ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL TODD BLANCHE: Suggesting that President Trump or this administration or the Department of War is violating the law is just completely wrong. It’s not appropriate to say that. We are complying with the law. I can tell you that as the acting attorney general. We are doing exactly what we’re supposed to do legally and President Trump will continue to do that. KRISTEN WELKER: But do you see any limits on how he has to carry out this war? ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL TODD BLANCHE: Of course. Yes, of course there’s limits to what President Trump can do. And he’s never said there aren’t limits. He’s acting within his duty to the American people to keep us safe. He’s not engaged in a popularity contest when it comes to what we’re doing in Iran. He’s doing something that will save us for generations. And so he’s doing something, again, that every president since Reagan has said that we should do, and he’s the only one willing to do it. KRISTEN WELKER: President Trump said that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional. Do you agree with that? ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL TODD BLANCHE: I’m not talking about the constitutionality of the War Powers Act. It doesn’t do anything. I will tell you that the Department of Justice advises the president, advises the Department of War, and we are acting completely within the law with what we’re doing. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n