Texas lawmakers reacted sharply divided to President Trump’s surprise airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday, June 22, part of what the U.S. military dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.
Republican Support
Governor Greg Abbott took to X to express solidarity, saying Texas “stands with America’s Commander-in-Chief.” He also announced the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard would elevate readiness and increase patrols around high-risk locations.
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn both praised the strikes as a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Cruz framed it as eliminating an “acute immediate threat,” while Cornyn declared, “America is back,” criticizing previous administrations as weak.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX‑02) echoed party support, cautioning that fears of WWIII were misplaced and reaffirming confidence in the president’s action.
Democratic Concerns
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D‑San Antonio) warned the strikes were a “dangerously escalatory step,” and underscored that the president acted without Congressional authorization.
Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D‑Dallas) and Sylvia Garcia (D‑Houston) made similar points, stressing that military force requires constitutional approval and cautioning that the move could entangle America in another extended conflict.
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D‑El Paso) added concern, saying the action “provokes regional conflict…without Congressional approval,” calling for oversight.
What This Means for Texas
The rift among Texas lawmakers mirrors the national debate on executive war powers versus legislative oversight. Abbott and GOP leaders are emphasizing homeland security precautions, while Democrats are raising alarms about the legality and stability of presidential-led strikes.
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