California Senator Adam Schiff was left momentarily speechless on Bill Maher’s show after criticizing a presidential statement defending military action without congressional approval, only to learn the quote was from former President Barack Obama rather than President Donald Trump. Schiff had called the statement ‘totally vague’ before Maher revealed its origin in a 2011 justification for military operations in Libya.

Schiff, who has condemned Trump’s recent airstrikes on Iran carried out without congressional authorization, reiterated that he opposed similar arguments made during the Obama administration. He said Obama ultimately refrained from further action in Syria after facing opposition in Congress, contrasting that decision with Trump’s move to strike Iran.

Maher, despite his long-running feud with Trump, expressed support for the strikes, saying he did not oppose the action unless it escalated to ground troop deployment. The airstrikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and other senior figures, drawing criticism from lawmakers in both parties. House Speaker Mike Johnson maintained that the operations were limited in scope and denied that the nation was at war.

Trump has defended the strikes, claiming Iran had surrendered to regional pressure and warning of further severe action if necessary. While the White House denied reports that ground troops were under serious consideration, Trump acknowledged the possibility, saying it would require a very good reason. Critics, including Schiff, argue the move contradicts the president’s pledge to avoid new regime change conflicts.