Efforts by progressive Democrats to impeach former President Donald Trump over his surprise military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities have hit a solid wall — and it’s coming from inside their own party.

On Monday, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) dismissed the renewed calls for impeachment from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and others in the progressive wing, calling the effort “dead on arrival” and warning that impeachment is “not helpful” as a casual political tool.

“Of course not. He [Trump] shouldn’t be impeached,” Fetterman said bluntly in an interview with Fox News.
“She knows it. I know it. We all know it… that is not going anywhere.”

The Strike That Sparked a Firestorm
President Trump authorized a surprise military operation over the weekend targeting three Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — with a wave of bunker-busting bombs. The strike, according to U.S. defense sources, was designed to permanently disrupt Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons.

Trump addressed the nation shortly after the operation, assuring Americans that

“We are not at war with Iran. This was a targeted strike to eliminate an imminent and growing nuclear threat.”

The move drew strong praise from national security hawks and his Republican base, but immediately reignited criticism from progressives who argued that Trump overstepped his authority by not first consulting Congress.

AOC’s Impeachment Demand
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, widely seen as a leader among the Democratic Party’s younger, more progressive members, wasted no time calling the strike “unconstitutional.”

“The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,” she wrote on social media.

Her remarks sparked a brief surge in online support for a third impeachment attempt against Trump — an unprecedented move in U.S. history.

But her proposal was quickly dismissed not only by conservatives but also by prominent figures in her own party.

Fetterman: Impeachment Is Not a Toy
Fetterman, known for his independent streak and working-class appeal, didn’t mince words about what he sees as the danger of politicizing impeachment.

“I think if you throw that term around, that actually diminishes the severity of what impeachment is really reserved for,” he said.
“It should not be a reflexive response every time someone disagrees with a policy decision.”

His comments reflect a growing frustration among moderates and centrists in both parties about the weaponization of impeachment in an era of deepening political division.

Other Democrats More Measured
While House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) didn’t support the impeachment talk, he was still highly critical of Trump’s decision, saying the strike could escalate tensions in the Middle East.

“Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences,” Jeffries said, noting that the president “failed to seek congressional authorization.”

However, White House officials pushed back, saying that key members of Congress were briefed beforehand, and that Jeffries refused to answer his phone when contacted.

Republican Leaders Rally Behind Trump
In sharp contrast to Democratic criticism, Republican lawmakers and officials rallied around Trump’s decision, arguing it was well within his constitutional authority.

Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking on Meet the Press, defended the move as a legitimate defense action.“The president has clear authority to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” he said.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) reminded Americans that President Obama conducted similar operations during his time in office — without facing calls for impeachment.

“Obama attacked Libya, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen. Nobody said a word,” Lawler noted. “But when Trump acts decisively, the far-left loses its mind.”

Speaker Mike Johnson Defends the Operation
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also weighed in, backing Trump’s use of military force and stating that it followed historical precedent.

“The world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants ‘Death to America,’ simply could not be allowed to obtain and use nuclear weapons,” Johnson said.
“This was a necessary, limited, and targeted strike consistent with actions taken by presidents from both parties.”

Impeachment Politics Fatigue the Nation
For many Americans — especially older voters who’ve lived through multiple presidencies and conflicts — this moment is less about party politics and more about constitutional consistency and national security.

The core question remains: Should presidents be allowed to act quickly in the face of immediate threats? Or must Congress always be consulted — even if timing is critical?

A Divided Congress, A Divided Country
While the strike on Iran has triggered another intense round of finger-pointing, impeachment appears to be off the table — for now. With voices like Fetterman cautioning restraint, it’s likely that Democrats will shift their focus to oversight hearings and public messaging rather than pursuing a doomed impeachment bid.

Whether you support or oppose the strike, one thing is certain: the war over war powers is far from over in Washington.

What’s Your Take?
Do you think President Trump was right to act without congressional approval?
Should impeachment be reserved for more serious offenses?
Let us know in the comments — and don’t forget to share this with friends and family.