Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power
Operation Project Freedom: Unilateral Hormuz Convoy Forced Standdown After Saudi Airspace Denial (May 2026)
Trump launched a Navy operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz during a nominal ceasefire without notifying Congress. Saudi Arabia denied US airspace access, collapsing the operation; on May 7 Iran attacked three US destroyers in the strait. The 'pause for negotiations' cover story was contradicted by reporting that Saudi Arabia's airspace denial made the mission militarily impossible.