(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have expressed mixed reactions to the U.S. military strikes against Iran.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation Saturday night and said the U.S. attacks were a spectacular military success.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace,” the president said.
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, said the Trump administration bombed Iran illegally and put American troops and citizens at risk of retaliation.
In a social media post on X, Illinois U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Lakeview, said Trump involved the U.S. in a conflict the vast majority of Americans do not wish to be a part of.
Another Illinois Democrat, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Deerfield, thanked service members and said America and the world are more secure because of their success.
“Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, Tehran has effectively waged an undeclared war on the United States, Israel and the broader West. A nuclear armed Iran poses a grave and unacceptable threat to the United States and is an existential threat to Israel and every Arab state in the Gulf,” Schneider stated. “Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Ever.”
Trump also thanked members of the military.
“Hopefully we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that’s so,” the president said.
Trump also offered praise for Israel’s military along with the nation’s political leader.
“I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before,” Trump said.
While he expressed the hope for pace, the president warned that the U.S. could strike again.
“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump promised.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to keep Illinois residents informed about security issues.
“At my request, federal authorities, @ILStatePolice, and local law enforcement have kept me updated on any potential physical and cyber threats to the homeland that could affect Illinois. We will remain vigilant and publicly communicate if there are related incidents or concerns,” Pritzker posted on X.
Illinois U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said on X he trusts that the president made the decision due to intelligence that indicated the regime was within reach of developing nuclear weapons.
Other Republicans also offered support for the Trump administration.
“A great victory for the United States!” Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, posted.
