In the News

Members of Colorado's congressional delegation applauded President Donald Trump's military strike on Iranian nuclear sites, while the state's Democratic lawmakers expressed worries about direct U.S. involvement in the region's conflicts and said the president should have consulted Congress before the attack.

Soon after news broke late Saturday that U.S. stealth bombers and cruise missiles had struck three fortified sites connected to Tehran's nuclear weapons program, the state's elected officials took to social media to post their responses.

“Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear capabilities," said Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd of Grand Junction in a statement on X. "We must always stand up for the safety and security of the U.S. and its allies. I fully support actions taken to prevent an evil regime from being able to harm us, Israel, and our other allies.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, an Army Ranger combat veteran and member of the House intelligence committee from Aurora, criticized Trump Saturday night on X and said he was seeking more information about the military action.

Said Crow: "I'm seeking more information about the strikes against Iran, but here's what we do know: 1. Trump broke a promise to prevent America from entering new conflicts. 2. Trump has, once again, exceeded his authority. 3. Congress must act now & reclaim constitutional power over America's use of military force."

Like his fellow Democrat, U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper said he was trying to find out more information but was concerned about the prospects of a widening conflict.

"I am closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Iran," Hickenlooper said on X. "While I strongly believe that Iran can never be allowed to have nuclear weapons, I share many Americans' concerns about direct U.S. involvement in the conflict. None of us want a wider regional war, particularly without a clear understanding of what comes after the conflict. I am seeking additional informational from the administration on the ongoing operation."

Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado Springs congratulated the military and praised Trump for what he called a successful mission.

“Tonight, President Trump took decisive action to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, protect Americans and build peace in the Middle East," Crank tweeted. "Congratulations to the Department of Defense on a successful mission.”

Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, didn't comment on the strikes directly but said state authorities were on alert for "all threats" to Coloradans.

"I met with my public safety team this evening and directed that they coordinate with state, local and federal partners and remain vigilant against all threats to Coloradans and the state’s infrastructure and military assets," Polis said on X. "The state is actively monitoring for any unusual or heightened activity and threats."

Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton, an Army veteran, expressed support for Trump's action in a post on X.

“I’m glad to see @POTUS take action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," Evans said. "As a veteran of a Global War on Terror, I know we achieve peace through strength. Prayers and thanks to our brave men and women who carried out this necessary operation.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Lakewood said the attack raised questions about Trump's adherence to the U.S. Constitution and added a call for de-escalation.

"Only Congress may authorize war. And the last person I would trust to lead us through this is Donald Trump," Pettersen said on X.

"As we watch to see the results of this strike, my primary concern is the safety and security American service members and diplomats across the region," she added. "For the good of America and the world, we must prioritize diplomatic deescalation."

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Windsor Republican, didn't comment directly on the attack on Saturday night but reposted Trump's tweet of an American flag.

On Monday in her weekly newsletter, Boebert elaborated.

"President Trump reaffirmed one of his clearest red lines: Iran will never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon," she said. "While the Obama and Biden administrations bent over backwards to placate the Iranian regime, Trump is holding the line. His approach is simple — no enrichment, no loopholes, no terrorism."

Added Boebert: "He reminded the world that peace through strength is not just a slogan, it's the foundation of American foreign policy. The days of leading from behind are over."

The state's two major political parties took opposite views of the strike, with the Democrats taking Trump to task and the GOP concluding that the world is safer because of Trump's "bold and necessary act of leadership."

Quoting from Trump's inauguration, Colorado Democratic Party chair Shad Murib said in a lengthy statement that the Republican had vowed to measure U.S. success by "the wars we never get into.”

"Just five months later," Murib continued, "President Trump broke his word and ordered strikes against Iran without Congressional approval and without the support of the American people. This unilateral act puts the safety of our service members stationed in the Middle East at risk, and we continue to mourn those we’ve lost to decades of misguided war."

Murib added that lawmakers across party lines have "raised concerns about unchecked presidential war powers," referring to calls by Republican and Democratic members of Congress to restore the legislative body's role in authorizing acts of war.

"This president has routinely treated the Constitution as a suggestion rather than the law," Murib said. "It’s time for members of Congress from both parties to reassert its constitutional authority as the only branch empowered to declare war and ensure that no president can take this country into conflict alone."

In an unsigned statement posted to X by the state Republicans, the party called the airstrikes a "decisive" act "in defense of global security."

"By targeting deeply embedded sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with precision B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting munitions, President Trump sent a clear message: the United States will not tolerate nuclear blackmail or threats against its allies," the Colorado GOP said.

"These strikes not only demonstrated advanced American military capability, but they also reinforced our unwavering commitment to Israel and the broader stability of the Middle East. Trump acted swiftly and strategically to neutralize a growing threat before it could erupt into full-scale conflict. Unlike previous administrations that relied on diplomacy while Iran advanced its nuclear ambitions, this administration chose strength over appeasement," the Republicans said.

"This action was not a war of choice — it was a defense of peace through strength. Every aircraft returned safely, and the mission was executed with precision to minimize civilian casualties. The world is safer today because of it."