President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social Tuesday that 'a whole civilization will die tonight' unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET. Dozens of congressional Democrats decried the rhetoric as unhinged and genocidal, calling for his removal from office and urging the military to refuse illegal orders. Most Republicans remained silent or supportive, though a few criticized the language.
President Trump issued the stark warning Tuesday morning amid an ongoing U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran. The post followed an Easter Sunday message threatening to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Trump demanded Iran agree to terms by 8 p.m. Tuesday in Washington to halt the campaign, writing: 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will... God Bless the Great People of Iran!''','Democratic leaders swiftly condemned the statement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Trump 'completely unhinged' and demanded Congress reconvene to end the 'reckless war of choice.' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described him as 'an extremely sick person' and urged Republicans to vote against the war. Over 100 Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ted Lieu, and Ayanna Pressley, labeled it a threat of genocide and war crimes, warning service members to disobey any illegal orders targeting civilians.','Republicans were largely quiet, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune offering no public response. Supporters like Sen. Lindsey Graham praised Trump for seeking a diplomatic solution, while Rep. Dan Meuser called the moment 'historic.' Critics included Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who said it undermined U.S. ideals, and Rep. Nathaniel Moran, who stressed protecting innocents. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also called for Trump's removal, deeming it 'evil and madness.''','Tucker Carlson, once a Trump ally, ripped the president as 'vile on every level' for threatening civilian infrastructure and mocking Islam, urging officials and troops to refuse orders. Trump dismissed Carlson as a 'low-IQ person' with 'no idea what's going on.' Lawmakers were on recess but issued statements remotely.
