Patrick J. Murphy

The past few days have reshaped the geopolitical landscape in ways we are only beginning to grasp. Having served in Iraq, I have seen firsthand how quickly military action can shift from decisive to destabilizing. Especially in this region. And having served in government, I understand the weight of the oath to uphold the Constitution.

Here are some things worth considering before forming hard opinions.

1. Trump violated the Constitution by acting unilaterally (again)

When we went to war in Iraq, it's because Congress voted in favor of it.

Our military action in Iran came from a video Trump posted to Truth Social.

Article I of the Constitution enumerates only to Congress the power to declare war.

This is already being described as an extensive campaign aimed at regime change. That is not a limited strike. And if there are U.S. troops on the ground, Congress must vote.

2. The Iranian regime is brutal and the Iranian people deserve better.

The IRGC is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Over the past few months, more than 30,000 Iranian citizens have been killed protesting for their freedom. The humanitarian situation there is dire. You can believe the ayatollahs must go and still insist that American war powers follow American law & our constitution.

3. Taking out Khamenei and his leadership is a military win, but what’s the long-term answer?

Early military success does not guarantee a successful mission. Iraq taught us that. Six weeks into the invasion, Saddam’s Ba’ath Party was toppled, and President Bush stood on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln under a “Mission Accomplished” banner and declared major combat operations over. Then the insurgency started, which led to eight more years of war.

4. The IRGC essentially *is* the regime.

With over 125,000 personnel and a shadow economy controlling 30-40% of Iran's GDP and decades of entrenched proxy relationships with Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis that don't dissolve because the top brass is gone. Dismantling the IRGC is a generational project.

I've published a piece on Substack breaking all of this down in more detail. Would love to hear your thoughts:

https://patrickmurphypa.substack.com/p/unpacking-the-us-israel-strikes-on

The Secretary's SitRep | Patrick J. Murphy | Substack Vetrepreneur - The Wharton School Lecturer - Former Congressman - 32nd Under Secretary of the Army - Emmy Award Winner & Host Yahoo Finance ‘Warrior Money’ - Soldier-Statesman. Click to read The Secretary's SitRep, by Patrick J. Murphy, a Substack publication.

This weekend reminded me why I’m proud to be American. Watching Team USA beat Canada in overtime to win our first men’s hockey gold since the 1980 Miracle on Ice was emotional in a way I didn’t expect.

My brother JJ and I grew up playing hockey. Every weekend, we were up at 5 a.m. and on the ice by 6. Our dad drove us every time. For the three of us to watch that game together felt full circle.

But what moved me most happened after the final buzzer.

The men's team held up jersey #13 for Johnny Gaudreau and brought his son and daughter onto the ice.

Johnny and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a drunk driver two years ago, the day before their sister's wedding. That moment of remembrance, in front of the whole world, said everything about the character of this team.

The day before, my faith in America was also reinforced by the strength of the high court’s independence.

The Supreme Court issued a 6–3 decision ruling against Trump’s tariffs, with two of Trump’s own appointees joining the majority. It is reassuring to see our constitutional system functioning as designed.

It was a good weekend for American confidence.��I wrote more about both moments in my latest Substack. Read here:

https://lnkd.in/gzb_9YFB (https://lnkd.in/gS4hGQCM)

https://open.substack.com/pub/patrickmurphypa/p/two-american-wins-this-weekend-one?r=14qjx&utm_medium=ios

Two American Wins This Weekend. One at the Olympics, The Other at the Supreme Court. From Olympic gold to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling. Here's what both mean for America in 2026.