Larson Calls for Trump to Recant Threat to Annihilate an “Entire Civilization” and End the War in Iran Ahead of Ceasefire Expiration

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement urging President Trump to recant his threats to end the entire Iranian civilization and calling for Congress to take action to enforce the War Power Act after the most recent war powers resolution failed by just one vote.  

Following the President’s Easter Sunday threats and unprecedented call to annihilate an “entire civilization,” Larson filed articles of impeachment against President Trump, called on Vice President J.D. Vance and the cabinet to invoke the 25^th Amendment to remove the President from office, and cosponsored articles of impeachment against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who continues to carry out the war in Iran in direct contravention of the United States Constitution. 

“Two weeks ago, the President of the United States called for the complete annihilation of the Iranian people — threatening an ‘entire civilization,’” said Larson. “He may have delayed his threats in the face of public outrage, but it has been two weeks, and the clock is still ticking. He must recant this deadly threat and end this illegal and costly war. Anything less is beneath the dignity of the office he holds. Words matter and have consequences. The most powerful nation in the world cannot call for the annihilation of an entire nation — that is not the America we know and love as a beacon of freedom and opportunity. Thirteen servicemembers have already lost their lives and the American people are paying for this President’s actions every time they fill their tank. President Trump must seek approval from Congress if he wants to continue this disastrous war. The rule of law still matters, and he is bound by the Constitution and the War Powers Act to come before us. Until he does, he will continue to be in direct violation of his duties and responsibilities — and must be held to account.”