Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday criticized President Donald Trump over recent U.S. military strikes in Iran, accusing him of leading the country into what she described as a “dangerous and unnecessary gamble.”
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Harris sharply escalated political opposition to the strikes, framing the action as a “regime-change war” that lacks public support.
“Donald Trump is dragging the United States into a war the American people do not want,” Harris said. “Let me be clear: I am opposed to a regime-change war in Iran, and our troops are being put in harm’s way for the sake of Trump’s war of choice.”
Harris, who served as vice president from 2021 to 2025, also criticized Trump’s leadership and campaign promises, arguing that the escalation contradicts his previous non-interventionist stance.
“What we are witnessing is not strength. It is recklessness dressed up as resolve,” she said. “During the campaign, Donald Trump promised to end wars rather than start them. It was a lie.”
She raised constitutional concerns, saying the president did not obtain authorization from Congress before the military action and urged lawmakers to exercise oversight to prevent further escalation.
“Under the Constitution of the United States, the president must receive authorization from Congress to enter a war,” Harris said. “But even if he had, that does not change the fact this action is unwise, unjustified, and not supported by the American people.”
Harris also pointed to the potential human cost of the conflict, noting that U.S. troops could be placed at risk.
“Our troops deserve a commander in chief who approaches decisions on matters of war and peace with the same steadiness and discipline our troops show every day,” she said.
The White House has not issued a formal response to Harris’ remarks.
