The White House stated on Monday that President Biden reached out to Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, to inform him about the Iranian airstrike. However, Jeffries reportedly did not answer the call.
“We made a bipartisan call,” Caroline Leavitt, a White House spokesperson, told Fox & Friends. She dismissed a “fake news” narrative that suggested Democrats were not informed ahead of the strike, asserting there was no obligation to do so.
“The White House did reach out to Congressional leaders,” Leavitt explained, adding that they couldn’t connect with Jeffries.
She countered a CNN report which claimed it was inaccurate to say the White House had not reached out to Democrats.
A source familiar with Jeffries’ office said they received minimal notice, similar to what other Democrats got shortly before the strike was disclosed.
Reports indicate that the communication was done using a secure line, but Jeffries did not obtain significant details or a more thorough briefing prior to the event. His office has not responded to inquiries as to why he missed the call.
Later that afternoon, Jeffries held a press conference.
“What the White House provided was merely a courtesy call regarding decisions that could have severe implications for Americans,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was also contacted, but according to another source, “we weren’t given any specifics” about the strike.
Both Jeffries and Schumer are part of the “Gang of Eight,” members of Congress privy to sensitive intelligence information. This group includes both Democratic and Republican leaders along with members of the Intelligence Committees.
It was confirmed that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-ARK), and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-ARK) were all briefed prior to the attack.
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), an influential figure in the Senate Intelligence Committee, did not receive any notification either, according to his office.
Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) implied that prior notice was lacking. His office was contacted for clarification.
“As per the Constitution, we both take an oath to defend. My attention on this matter comes before any military action,” Himes wrote on social media after the attack was announced.
Leavitt responded to the backlash by saying, “The White House had no obligation to call anyone; the president acted within his legal authority.” She accused Democrats of misrepresenting the situation, claiming they are unable to acknowledge the successes of U.S. military operations.
Some members of Congress, such as Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), are frustrated that all of Congress was not given the opportunity to discuss the strike, which they deem unconstitutional.
In a remark regarding Massie, Leavitt stated, “He should really align more with the Democrats, given his consistency with them over Republicans.”
President Trump has promised to aid efforts to unseat Massie in the 2026 midterm elections, particularly in light of measures aiming to limit Trump’s military power, which are also being discussed in the Senate.
