Asking for Accountability: Michiana Elected Officials on on-going tensions in Iran
MICHIANA -- Just hours before President Donald Trump's 8:00 P.M. deadline, the president took to social media to announce a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran with an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Prior to the ceasefire agreement, Trump threatened “a whole civilization will die” if a deal is not reached. Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg called this statement “plainly genocidal” and expressed the need for everyone to take action.
We reached out to Michiana’s U.S. Senators and Representatives to ask what they’re doing to hold the president accountable and if they believe his calls for military aggression are justified.
None of the officials contacted would agree to speak on camera.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) provided a statement saying she believes in our troops and their ability to apply pressure against orders from the president. The full statement can be read here.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) provided a comment via social media calling the president’s threats outrageous.
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) referred to this post by the IndyStar for his comments.
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) did not reply to any calls or emails.
Both Indiana Republican Congressmen Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) and Rudy Yakym (IN-02) did not reply. Rep. Yakym was in South Bend on Monday, visiting the Potawatomi Zoo.
Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01) commented on social media, calling Trump’s statement a dangerous rhetoric.
Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-07) sent a statement saying in part “I urge Iranian leaders to accept a deal with the United States for a more prosperous future for Iran and the world.”.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-04) did not reply to any calls or emails.
All of the elected officials listed here can be contacted through email or their public comment forms, some require address verification before you can share your concerns or opinions with your elected official.