"FACT CHECK: Obama Dropped 26,171 Bombs In 7 Different Countries Without ONE Congressional Approval
While Democrats are busy crying that Trump struck Iran without Congressional approval, social media has been quick to remind them that Obama dropped THOUSANDS of bombs without ONE single congressional approval.
Multiple sources indicate that the Obama administration authorized military action, including airstrikes and drone strikes, in several countries without explicit congressional approval.
These actions were often taken under the broad authority granted by the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) passed after the 9/11 attacks. However, this use of the AUMF to justify strikes in countries not directly related to al-Qaeda's initial network sparked considerable debate regarding the limits of presidential war powers.
Here are some examples of countries where the Obama administration took military action without seeking new congressional approval:
- Libya (2011): The Obama administration authorized airstrikes leading to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi without seeking congressional approval, citing the War Powers Resolution's 60-day limit, even though the intervention lasted much longer.
- Syria (starting 2014): Airstrikes against ISIS began without new congressional authorization, despite Obama's initial intent to seek approval in 2013.
- Yemen (starting 2009): Drone strikes against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula were conducted without a new congressional vote, justified as counterterrorism operations.
- Somalia (starting 2009): Airstrikes and drone strikes against al-Shabaab also occurred without congressional approval, justified as targeted counterterrorism efforts.
- Pakistan (starting 2009): Drone strikes in Waziristan began days after Obama's inauguration without congressional authorization.
While sources state that Obama authorized military action in at least seven countries, the precise number of countries where he dropped bombs without congressional approval is difficult to pinpoint definitively due to varying classifications and reporting practices."