On Thursday, Iranian forces attacked three U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military confirmed it intercepted those attacks and struck Iranian military facilities it identified as responsible. President Trump issued a public warning that the situation could escalate further.
These are not abstractions. Sailors stood watch in those waters — under oath, under fire. When the republic sends its sons and daughters into harm's way, the constitutional order demands an accounting: under whose authority, toward what end, and who in Washington is prepared to own that answer.
Eisenhower's farewell was not a warning against strength. It was a warning against war managed by interest rather than duty. Congress holds Article I war powers. Before the first exchange of fire becomes a campaign, the people deserve to know who is steering — and whether anyone on Capitol Hill has the honor to ask.