In a scathing rebuke, Congressman Mike Leaven has accused President Donald Trump of improvising the U.S. strategy in the ongoing Iran war, as diplomatic talks collapsed over the weekend and tensions flare in the Strait of Hormuz. Leaven, in an exclusive Forbes interview, slammed the administration for ignoring Congress and pushing ahead without clear plans, amid a fragile ceasefire and rising global risks. This unscripted approach, he warned, endangers national security and violates constitutional norms.
Leaven’s comments come amid escalating chaos in the Middle East, where Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a U.S. blockade, sending oil prices soaring. The congressman pointed to the failed 20-hour negotiations, revealing that no progress was made on key issues like Iran’s nuclear program or ballistic missiles. Trump’s shifting timelines—from a four-to-six-week campaign to a two-week ceasefire—have left allies and foes alike in the dark, fueling uncertainty.
Critics argue that Trump’s “seat-of-the-pants“ tactics breach the War Powers Act, which requires congressional approval beyond emergency responses. Leaven emphasized that Iran did not attack first, making the president’s actions legally questionable. As a member of Congress, he expressed frustration over the lack of briefings, noting that lawmakers have been sidelined since the initial “Operation Epic Fury“ in late February, eroding vital checks and balances.
Amid this turmoil, Leaven is pushing forward with the Death Bets Act, aimed at banning wagers on war outcomes and assassinations through platforms like Polymarket. He highlighted suspicious bets placed just before major escalations, suggesting insider trading on classified information. These markets, he argued, create moral hazards and national security threats, with one case involving threats to a reporter’s life over unfavorable coverage.
The congressman didn’t mince words, calling out the Trump administration’s ties to such platforms, including Donald Trump Jr.’s role on Polymarket’s advisory board. “It’s immoral and should be illegal,“ Leaven stated, urging bipartisan action to impose guardrails. Despite efforts, Republican support has waned, reportedly due to these connections, leaving the bill stalled as the Iran conflict drags on.
Shifting to domestic fallout, Leaven addressed skyrocketing energy costs, with gas prices exceeding $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022. He criticized Trump for downplaying the economic pain as “short-term,“ even as prices show no sign of easing. In response, Leaven introduced the Energy Bills Relief Act, focusing on clean energy incentives to stabilize markets and reduce reliance on volatile oil imports.
This legislation seeks to modernize the power grid and slash permitting delays for renewables like solar and wind. Leaven explained that immediate tax credits could help consumers install affordable systems, while long-term investments would distribute clean energy more efficiently across states. “We’re talking about real relief, not empty promises,“ he said, contrasting it with Trump’s vague assurances amid rising tariffs and war-related disruptions.
The interview also touched on ethical crises in Congress, with two members resigning amid serious 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓸𝓃𝓈. Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell stepped down following accusations of 𝒔𝒆𝒙𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒶𝓊𝓁𝓉, and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez exited over claims of an 𝒶𝒻𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓇 with a staffer who died by suicide. Leaven called these developments “horrific,“ stressing the need for the House Ethics Committee to act swiftly.
As scandals mount, Leaven urged his colleagues to uphold institutional integrity, referencing past expulsions and the committee’s role in investigations. He warned that whispers of misconduct must lead to formal probes, drawing a bright line against abuses of power. This wave of resignations, he added, underscores the broader erosion of trust in government during these turbulent times.
Back to the Iran front, the ceasefire’s future hangs in the balance, with no clear endgame from the White House. Leaven painted a picture of a world on edge, where diminished Iranian capabilities offer little comfort without transparency. Experts fear that without congressional oversight, the conflict could spiral, impacting global stability and U.S. interests.
Leaven’s forthright stance has ignited calls for immediate action, as the administration faces mounting pressure. With midterms looming and economic strains intensifying, the congressman’s push for accountability resonates amid a landscape of improvised policies and unchecked risks. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as every day brings new threats in this high-stakes gambit.
In wrapping up, Leaven’s interview exposes the fractures in U.S. foreign policy, blending diplomatic failures with domestic challenges. From war betting scandals to energy crises, the narrative underscores a nation grappling with leadership voids. As tensions persist, the call for clarity and reform grows louder, demanding answers before it’s too late.