Michigan Lawmakers on Iran: Silence, Spin, Siding with Chaos & Cautiousness
...You may be surprised on who stands where.
Unfortunately this video is not AI
Iran is dominating global politics right now, and of course, America's reigning idiot-in-chief, Donald Trump, couldn't resist chiming in with his trademark cluelessness. Yesterday, Trump boldly declared of Iran and Israel: "They don't know what the fuck they're doing." Rich, coming from a guy whose diplomatic genius includes rage-tweeting and casually ripping up crucial peace deals like a toddler with a tantrum.
Let's break down the facts, because apparently, no one's bothered to tell Trump any. Iran doesn't currently possess functioning nuclear weapons—despite what your uncle's Facebook memes say. Those flashy strikes didn't actually dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability, either. And let's not conveniently forget that Iran signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or that it was Trump himself who recklessly shredded Obama's Iran deal. None of this is about peace; it's classic warmongering wrapped in Trump-branded chaos.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s leaders are scrambling—some thoughtfully, others clearly without a clue—trying to figure out where they stand. It's messy, it's serious, and we absolutely need to keep our eyes open.
For Peace They Want War: Michigan’s Iran War Hawks
Rep. John James (R) - Rep. James made a video and was particularly forceful, and leaned on the “peace through strength” trope of most of the GOP. Because bombing for peace has historically had a high success rate? He also said “God bless, the Middle East, God bless Israel, and God bless America.” (But not Iran, I guess.)
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D) - By far the most hard on Iran of all of the Democratic replies we saw, Thanedar was very adamant about ending the Iran Nuclear Program. But yesterday he was one of few democrats to vote in favor of Rep. Al Green’s Impeachment oday, I voted in favor of Rep. Al Green’s impeachment resolution. So ok to bomb the shit out of a region if there is congressional approval, but Trump alone can’t wield that power.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R) - An over-the-top agreement with the attacks. In a press conference earlier yesterday, she said that Trump delivered “peace through strength”, same as John James. But she also doubled down and said that the Iranians would face “the full fury and wrath of American firepower” if they continued their nuclear program. Little Lisa likes to give a strong arm but we know she is mostly just full of hot air.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R) - Says Trump is “consistent” and that the strikes were “necessary to keep us and our allies safe.” He thinks Trump is "consistent"? Yeah, consistently wrong, consistently chaotic, and consistently dragging us closer to unnecessary wars.
Rep. Jack Bergman (R) - Full support of the Iran strikes. Actually calls for the Iranian people to stage revolution in their country. He is going full neocon cosplay, cheering on Trump’s reckless strikes and casually urging Iranian citizens into revolution—because nothing screams "peace and safety" like destabilizing an entire country from the comfort of your congressional office.
Sen. Gary Peters (D) - Reemphasized his stance on a non-nuclear Iran, but stated Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal accelerated Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Says any blowback from the attack lies solely on Trump. Eh.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) - Says Iran would “usher in a new age of nuclear terrorism”. Supports the airstrikes. Pretty rich fear-mongering from a guy who panicked when a group peacefully stood outside his office asking for a town hall—guess nuclear paranoia fits right in with his usual brand of hysteria.
Rep. Haley Stevens (D) - Leaned on Iran’s history as a sponsor of terrorism. Demanded clarity on reasoning for attack. Did not fully condemn, but did say Trump continues to abuse power. A nothing burger. Yesterday she also voted against bringing up articles on impeachment on Trump.
Rep. Tim Wahlberg (R) - Says Trump “exhausted diplomatic options” and that the strikes were “strong leadership.”
Rep. Hillary Scholten (D) - Agrees that Iran should not have nuclear weapons, but says “the people deserve a voice” before entering war. Voted against impeaching Donald Trump yesterday for approving a military strike and bringing us into a war without congressional approval.
Totally Against Trump’s Strikes
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) - Says the attack “escalates the risk of war” and did not offer any conditions or support for Trump. Voted yesterday to table the impeachment articles
Rep. Rashida Talib (D) - Says the idea of a nuclear Iran is a lie, calls Netanyahu a “war criminal” calls on Congress to exert war power to stop Trump’s actions.
Politician-ing Their Way Out Of Taking A Side:
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D) - Issued two statements. The first makes no claims of support or condemnation. It only expresses concern for US military personnel. The second says that American’s don’t want another war and then points back to the first statement.
Rep. Tom Barrett (R) - Says he is “praying for wisdom” in Trump’s decisions. Didn’t support or condemn.
Can’t find an opinion online
Kristen McDonald Rivet (D) - If she’s released a statement we didn’t see it posted online anywhere. She’s probably trying to fly under the radar. She did vote against impeachment articles for Trump yesterday.
Bottom Line
Michigan lawmakers' stances range from cautiously rational to full MAGA meltdown—and it matters. Trump's reckless moves aren't just tweets or tantrums anymore; they're actions that could spiral into devastating consequences. We need representatives who lead with facts, not fear, and who resist Trump’s chaos instead of cheering it on.
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Thanks for writing this - haven't found this info elsewhere.