Gingrich: Democrats Risk Becoming ‘Pro-Iran Party’ Amid War Powers Debate

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich argued that Democratic efforts to invoke the War Powers Act regarding Iran represent “political posturing” unlikely to succeed, warning that the party risks being perceived as aligning with Tehran against U.S. interests.

Gingrich stated that any legislation passed by Congress would face a presidential veto, which he expects would be sustained. He contended that Democratic rhetoric and voting patterns increasingly position the party “on the side of the Iranian dictatorship,” despite Iran’s designation by the U.S. State Department since 1983 as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and its decades of anti-American rhetoric.

He emphasized the strategic irony, noting that Democratic strongholds in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, and Boston would face the greatest risk should Iran acquire nuclear weapons and delivery systems. “It’s a very strange moment for the Democratic Party, which I think is basically lost its mind,” Gingrich said.

On the topic of Israel, Gingrich pointed to recent Democratic primary developments as evidence of a shift. He cited a probable Senate nominee in Maine with a reported Nazi tattoo and a Democratic frontrunner in Michigan described as “rabidly anti-Israel” as examples of a broader trend. “Around the country, the Democrats have gone from being a party which had historically been pretty supportive of Israel to a party where it’s pretty hard to see how a pro-Israeli candidate could become their presidential nominee,” he stated.

Turning to economic pressures, Gingrich addressed declining gasoline and oil prices, noting that while West Texas Intermediate crude had fallen approximately 18%, prices remained above the $3.50 level he suggested could benefit political prospects. He explained the administration’s cautious approach to opening the Strait of Hormuz, describing the President as leading a coalition with regional allies who fear an all-out military assault could provoke Iranian attacks on oil infrastructure in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait.

“The president has been trying to walk a balance here,” Gingrich said, adding that the maintained blockade is “grinding down the Iranian economy” and “crippling the Iranian government.” He urged public “patience,” asserting that the administration’s strategy is deliberately complex and that the Iranian government’s decision-making structure has been significantly disrupted by the loss of senior leaders.

During the discussion, Kudlow praised the administration’s firm stance on key red lines, including nuclear capabilities, enriched uranium restrictions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and missile restraints, calling the approach “fabulous.” Kudlow also highlighted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s role in applying economic pressure, describing him as “the best wartime Treasury Secretary since World War II.” He noted Bessent’s efforts targeting Iranian cryptocurrency, offshore bank accounts, and assets, pointing to reports of hyperinflation near 200%, a collapsed currency, and widespread payment failures within Iran as evidence of the strategy’s impact. “Bessent deserves a lot of credit for his part in this,” Kudlow stated.

Gingrich agreed, noting that Treasury’s financial pressure complements broader diplomatic efforts and suggesting that ongoing developments could produce significant disclosures. He added that if the strategy succeeds, observers may watch closely how those who previously opposed the approach explain their positions.

Finally, Gingrich commented on California’s gubernatorial race, where Steve Hilton advanced from the jungle primary. He suggested the results could signal voter fatigue with “high taxes, corruption, and totally incompetent government,” stating that if the election becomes a referendum on governance, “Steve Hilton may shock everybody.”