Trump talks of ‘annihilation’, ‘elimination’ as US, Israel attack Iran - Al Jazeera
2/28/2026, 12:00:56 PM
A fast-moving foreign-policy moment is colliding with domestic political and legal fights tied to elections and the Epstein files. Headlines converge on a tense escalation involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with Trump using severe language as critics in Congress argue the action was unauthorized. At home, Trump is also pushing back on claims he is considering an executive order to seize control over elections. Separately, renewed attention to the Epstein files is pulling in high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton’s testimony and a House push to call Trump’s commerce chief to testify.
A fast-moving foreign-policy moment is colliding with domestic political and legal fights tied to elections and the Epstein files.
Headlines converge on a tense escalation involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with Trump using severe language as critics in Congress argue the action was unauthorized. At home, Trump is also pushing back on claims he is considering an executive order to seize control over elections. Separately, renewed attention to the Epstein files is pulling in high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton’s testimony and a House push to call Trump’s commerce chief to testify.
Key points
- Al Jazeera reports Trump spoke of “annihilation” and “elimination” as the US and Israel attack Iran.
- Politico says some of Trump’s congressional critics are denouncing the Iran strikes as “acts of war unauthorized by Congress.”
- PBS reports Trump says he is not mulling a draft executive order to seize control over elections, while outlining what is known.
- BBC reports Bill Clinton testified he knew “nothing” of Epstein crimes and was asked about a hot tub photo.
- CNBC reports Rep. Mace says she will call Trump Commerce chief Lutnick to testify in connection with Epstein files.
- Political commentary pieces from CNN and The Guardian frame potential political blowback and tactical wins around Trump-related storylines.
Why it matters
- If the Iran strikes become a sustained conflict, the immediate question of presidential war powers versus congressional authorization could drive a broader political and legal battle.
- The election-order denial underscores how governance questions and institutional trust are being litigated in real time through public statements and reporting.
- The Epstein-file developments keep legal and reputational risk in the political bloodstream, potentially affecting both Trump and longtime Democratic figures.
What to watch
- Whether congressional criticism over Iran translates into formal action or sustained hearings focused on authorization and oversight.
- How the administration and allies respond as reporting continues on the alleged draft election executive order—particularly what additional details, if any, emerge.
- Next steps in Epstein-related proceedings and testimony demands, including whether Lutnick appears and how Clinton’s testimony is further scrutinized.