Washington: Many US political figures have sharply criticized President Donald Trump following his expletive-laden threats aimed at trying to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, casting his mental stability into doubt and highlighting the risks posed to American troops, with some even calling for his removal, multiple media reported.
On Sunday, Trump threatened to strike Iran’s power plants and bridges unless the Islamic Republic submissively reopened the strategic waterway that it has closed to enemies and their allies in retaliation for the United States’ and the Israeli regime’s latest bout of unprovoked aggression targeting the country. “There will be nothing like it!!!” he wrote, while addressing the Islamic Republic and its officials in an idiosyncratically indecent manner.
Officials in Washington warned that such rhetoric signaled a dangerous escalation in the aggression.
Former US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously an ally of Trump, issued one of the most forceful criticisms. She wrote on X, “I know all of you and him, and he has gone insane, and all of you are complicit… This is not making America great again, this is evil.” Greene stressed that the war was initiated by the US and the Israeli regime, arguing that Washington was forcing Americans to pay the price of a war that results in civilian casualties and destruction.
“Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the President and intervene in Trump’s madness.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described Trump’s statements as those of “an unhinged madman,” warning that such rhetoric alienated allies and undermined the US’s credibility.
He wrote on X, “As y
ou celebrate with your families, the President of the United States is ranting like an unhinged madman… threatening possible war crimes.” Schumer described Trump’s rant as “rambling, disjointed, and pathetic,” calling it “one of the greatest policy blunders in the history of our country.”
Senator Bernie Sanders also condemned the remarks, calling them “dangerous and mentally unbalanced.” “One month after starting the war in Iran… these are the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual. Congress has got to act NOW. End this war.”
Senator Chris Murphy suggested that Trump’s behavior raised serious constitutional concerns, including the potential invocation of the 25th Amendment.
“If I were in Trump’s Cabinet, I would spend Easter calling constitutional lawyers… This is completely, utterly unhinged,” he wrote.
The amendment, proposed by Congress and ratified by the states in the aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, provides the procedures for replacing the president or vice president in the event of death, removal, resignation, or incapacitation.
US Representative Melanie Stansbury added, “The emperor has no clothes. Time for the 25th Amendment. Congress and the Cabinet must act.”
US Representative Ro Khanna criticized Trump for escalating threats, while failing to protect US troops in West Asia, emphasizing how US troops remain under fire as he is “cursing out and threatening war crimes.”
Senator Tim Kaine called on Trump to “dial back the rhetoric,” describing it as “embarrassing and juvenile,” and similarly warning that it increases risks for US troops.
US Representative Jake Auchincloss highlighted broader failures in the war, stating, “Strategically, this war has been a failure,” noting that Iran retains a decisive advantage through its control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that Trump’s threats could violate the US’s own military doctrine as well as international law, including the Geneva Conventions on the rules of engagement.
She wrote, “It is both irresponsible and wrong to indiscriminately kill civilians in Iran and destroy civilian infrastructure.”