Lawrence O’Donnell Slams Trump’s ‘Childish Language’ To Describe Iran War

Lawrence O’Donnell criticized President Donald Trump for his attempts to downplay the Iran conflict by using different terms to avoid calling it a “war.” According to the MS NOW host, Trump’s handling of the conflict has not been taken seriously by the American public, as reflected in poor polling numbers.

O’Donnell highlighted Trump’s avoidance of seeking congressional approval for the conflict, despite it becoming illegal after the 60-day mark according to the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Trump defended his actions by referring to the conflict as a “military operation” to sidestep legal issues.

The host criticized Trump’s choice of words, calling it “childish language,” and played a clip of the president referring to the conflict with Iran as a “mini war.” O’Donnell explained the historical context of illegal wars in American politics, tracing it back to the Vietnam era and the measures taken to prevent similar conflicts.

Reflecting on Trump’s draft avoidance during the Vietnam War, O’Donnell mentioned how Trump presented a doctor’s letter citing foot issues to avoid military service. The host emphasized Congress’s efforts to prevent another Vietnam-like war through legislation like the War Powers Resolution.

For more insights from MS NOW’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” you can watch the full segment below.