# Is it constitutional for US presidents to declare war without Congress?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rhode-island-report-3874357/is-it-constitutional-for-us-presidents-to-declare-war-without-congress
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rhode-island-report-3874357/is-it-constitutional-for-us-presidents-to-declare-war-without-congress.md
Podcast: [Rhode Island Report](https://stenobird.com/podcast/rhode-island-report-3874357)
Published: 2026-04-09T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/858c40ac-744a-4369-ac9f-514a57930f03.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
Audio file: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/858c40ac-744a-4369-ac9f-514a57930f03.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
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Duration seconds: 1000

## Resource

It’s been just over a month since President Trump declared war on Iran. The Constitution gives Congress the power to initiate war, but the president started the surprise airstrikes without their approval. Is that constitutional? Host Edward Fitzpatrick talks to Salve Regina University History Professor William Leeman about the history of presidential war powers. We want to hear from you! Fill out our listener survey, and we’ll send you a Rhode Island Report sticker - https://bit.ly/RIpodsurvey   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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