The article in Le Figaro explores the evolving role of the U.S. president in warfare, particularly how presidential war powers have significantly increased over the years. It contrasts the traditional checks and balances that existed when President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress on December 8, 1941, urging a declaration of war against Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. This moment marked a time when congressional authority was paramount, and war was declared officially by Congress.

However, since that time, the dynamic has shifted, and the legislative branch has not issued an official declaration of war. Instead, the trend has moved toward the president having the ability to initiate military action without a formal declaration, relying on Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) instead. The article points to recent instances, particularly under President Trump when major combat operations were conducted against Iran, as a reflection of this expanded presidential power.

The implications of this shift raise important questions about the balance of power between branches of government and the potential for presidential overreach in military affairs. As geopolitical tensions rise, understanding the extent of presidential war powers is essential for discerning U.S. military engagement and the role of Congressional oversight in these decisions.