The White House pushed back on a CNN report claiming that key Democratic lawmakers were not informed ahead of the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were contacted before the operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” began. While Schumer reportedly received a briefing prior to the strikes, Jeffries was only briefed afterward due to being unreachable. CNN had reported that only Republican leaders were notified, including House Majority Leader Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The White House labeled the report as “fake news” and insisted bipartisan outreach was attempted. Despite this, Democratic leaders have not confirmed receiving timely briefings, and Schumer accused President Trump of violating the War Powers Act by acting unilaterally and without a defined strategy.

Amid the political fallout, President Trump praised the operation as a historic success, claiming it achieved what past presidents only envisioned. The White House asserted that all three targeted Iranian nuclear sites were “completely and totally obliterated,” suggesting significant disruption to Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities. However, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine urged caution, noting it was too early to confirm whether the deeply buried Fordow facility was fully destroyed. Meanwhile, Trump suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran via social media, while Iranian leaders are reportedly exploring retaliation and leadership shifts. The political divide in Washington over the strike highlights rising tensions at home and abroad as the fallout continues to unfold.