The GOP lawmaker backed airstrikes against Iran but argued that ground combat represents a fundamentally different commitment.
, a South Carolina Republican, sharpened her opposition to any deployment of U.S. ground troops in Iran, saying on Sunday that“If we’re going to do a conventional ground operation with Marines and 82nd Airborne, that is a ground war that I believe Congress should have a say and we should be briefed,” Mace said while appearing on CNN.
“We don’t want troops on the ground.”for President Donald Trump, who campaigned on avoiding new foreign entanglements. Some attendees described the conflict as a betrayal of Trump’s “America First” promises, saying they did not vote for a president who would risk another prolongedsuccess in Iran and insisted that escalation can be controlled. But for lawmakers like Mace, who backed U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, the growing disconnect between campaign rhetoric and battlefield realities raises political and constitutional concerns—especially if ground forces are ultimately ordered into combat. Mace’s stance has developed over several days, becoming more explicit after she received classified briefings on the conflict. On March 25, she spoke to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol after a House Armed Services Committee briefing. At that point, she vowed to oppose any funding that would enable “boots on the ground” in Iran, warning against repeating the mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan. Her focus was on preventing escalation rather than on the mechanics of congressional authorization. The following day, she appeared on a CNN Politics segment after another classified briefing she described as “frustrating.” During that interview, she said Congress “needs to have a greater say” if U.S. troops are deployed, signaling a shift toward a clearer war‑powers argument. By Sunday, Mace refined the point further during a longer CNN interview. She drew a sharp distinction between positioning forces in the region and ordering them into Iran for ground combat, saying the latter would amount to a ground war requiring congressional involvement. “I think that’s a line for a lot of people," the congresswoman said on Sunday."If we’re going to do that, then come to Congress and get the proper authorities to do so.” Her position echoes concerns voiced by some CPAC attendees, particularly younger conservatives who said talk of ground troops was a red line. Several warned that sending U.S. forces into Iran would fracture Trump’s coalition ahead of the midterms this year, with some saying they already feel disillusioned by the war., arguing it would be unwise to telegraph military intentions. Defense officials have echoed that ambiguity, saying all options remain available even as they stress the effectiveness of air and naval operations so far.“I don’t have the yips with respect to boots on the ground—like every president says, ‘There will be no boots on the ground.’ I don’t say it. I say, ‘probably don’t need them,’ ‘if they were necessary.’”“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue, but secretly is planning a ground attack. The U.S. is unaware that our men are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever. Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.”“A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe. It will mean higher gas prices, higher food prices, and I’m not sure we’d end up killing more terrorists than we would create.”"To be very clear on this, the worst thing that can happen is to be able to have this kind of conflict start and to not end it, to leave it undone. We've got to be able to finish this…If this is special forces to be able to carry out a specific operation—get in, get out—-that's very different than longstanding occupation.”For now, the White House maintains that no decision has been made to deploy U.S. ground troops into Iran, describing Pentagon planning as routine contingency work rather than a signal of intent., lawmakers like Mace—and skeptics within Trump’s own base—are likely to keep pressing for clearer limits on how far the war can go., ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not"both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you., you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iran War Updates: Israel, Iran Trade Fire as Trump Talks Up DiplomacyIsrael and Iran traded strikes as Trump claimed diplomatic progress, even as hostilities intensified.
Read more »
Savannah Guthrie sets 'Today' return date as search for mom Nancy Guthrie continuesSavannah Guthrie will be returning to work at the “Today” show after a two-month absence while her mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been missing.On Friday, Hoda Kotb
Read more »
Nancy Guthrie case: What clues came from Savannah Guthrie interview?In a recent interview, Savannah Guthrie confirmed that the family has received what they think are two genuine ransom notes, and revealed that the back doors of her mother's house were propped open. Here's what a retired NYPD detective thinks we can learn from that.
Read more »
Arizona deputy accused of kidnapping woman in custody, fired from department investigating Nancy Guthrie caseToday's Video Headlines: 03/27/26
Read more »
Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Day 56 latest updatesSaturday marks Day 56 in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, as we enter the eighth week since her disappearance from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1.
Read more »
Pakistan says it will host U.S,-Iran talks as Iran warns against ground troopsPakistan announced Sunday that it will soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Read more »