NC Democrats call Trump’s rhetoric toward Iran ‘repugnant’ and ‘reckless’

Official Congressional photo

By Clayton Henkel, NC Newsline
April 7, 2026

Republished by GDN April 8, 2026

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein joined Democratic members of Congress Tuesday in criticizing President Donald Trump’s escalating threats against Iran.

Trump shared on social media Tuesday morning that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if the Iranian government failed to open the Strait of Hormuz. Tuesday evening, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran in a deal negotiated with Pakistani leaders.

Stein said Trump’s recent threats are “beyond the pale, repugnant, and un-American” and risk a dramatic escalation of the war.

The governor said he continues to pray for troops and their families who have been called into the conflict.

“The President chose to put our nation at war with Iran without clear objectives or an exit strategy,” said Stein in a statement on social media.

“It’s costing taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and North Carolinians far too much at the pump,” he said.

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) issued a statement of her own calling on Congress to reconvene to address the president’s “reckless” behavior.

“Let’s be clear where I stand,” Foushee posted. “1. No war with Iran—period. 2. Trump needs to be impeached. 3. His cabinet needs to invoke the 25th Amendment. 4. Congress needs to pass a War Powers Resolution.”

Foushee said that Trump is putting innocent lives at risk for a war that the American public does not support.

“He’s killed thousands of people, and he doesn’t care if he kills a thousand more,” wrote Foushee on social media.

Axios reported Tuesday that 70 House Democrats, including Foushee, have called for Trump’s impeachment or removal via the 25th Amendment.

Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02) joined Foushee in calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to call Congress back to D.C. to rein in Trump’s actions before the conflict spirals further out of control.

“Even if he doesn’t make good on this threat, it is horrifying and beyond irresponsible,” said Ross.

Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) said Trump’s unhinged threats that “a whole civilization will die” shows a lack of leadership.

“Under President Trump, the cost of living at home continues to rise and our nation’s reputation gradually lowers around the world,” said Adams on social media.

Ross said in a video that taxpayers deserve to know why the country is at war, how taxpayer dollars are being spent, and when the U.S. military will be getting out of Iran.

“And hopefully, hopefully, he will not make good on his promises,” said Ross.

Democratic Rep. Don Davis (NC-01) did not address the issue.

Republican members of the congressional delegation avoided commenting on Trump’s morning threat. Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14) spent the day in western North Carolina with newly appointed U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Both Edwards and Moore praised the Trump administration for helping with Helene recovery, but did not address the president’s threats toward Iran.

NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Laura Leslie for questions: [email protected].