Interview with Republican Congressman Mike Coffman of Colorado
ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: We do have breaking news. We want to show you new video of that massive bomb that hit ISIS targets in Eastern Afghanistan. This is just the latest in a string of military actions taken by President Trump. Joining us now is Republican Congressman Mike Coffman of Colorado. He is a member of the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees and a Marine Corps veteran. Congressman, good morning.</s>REP. MIKE COFFMAN (R), COLORADO: Good morning.</s>CAMEROTA: You served in both Iraq wars as a marine, we should say. What do you think of this action we've seen? This is the new video we're just looking at. The MOAB bomb, largest-ever nuclear ordnance used by the U.S. That seems like a lot of fire power to kill 36 terrorists. What do you think the point of using of this bomb was?</s>COFFMAN: Well, I think there's a couple points. First of all, I think, number one, to accomplish the mission in what was a very hardened target that would have required quite a few casualties in terms of taking a carve and tunnel complex laden with, or strewn with IEDs. But there's another element to this, too, and I think it's a signal from the Trump administration to the Taliban and a lot of these ISIS fighters are prior Taliban fighters that just happen to change jerseys. But the fact is, the Taliban has no desire to negotiate right now. They feel that time is on their side and so, there's no -- there's no peace -- opportunity for peace in Afghanistan without some kind of negotiated settlement with the Taliban. And so, I think it's a signal for them to -- that the U.S. is going to, you know, strengthen its resolve to bring this war to a close and for them to come to the table.</s>CAMEROTA: Is it also a message to North Korea? As you know, the USS Carl Vinson is heading in that direction to North Korea. That's certainly gotten the attention of North Korea, and they, in fact, released this statement. This was from their foreign ministry, "The U.S. is disturbing the global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is divisive, just and proportionate, pushing the situation in the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a war." How do you interpret their stance?</s>COFFMAN: Well, first of all, there's no question the use of this MOAB, the largest conventional munition in the U.S. inventory on this particular target, also would send a message to certainly North Korea, China, Russia and Iran, of the narrative that this president is going to be decisive in terms of protecting America's national security interests. And so -- and, obviously, I hope that it, that the president, does some to be moving this direction, putting pressure on China, who really controls the cards in this region in terms of North Korea --</s>CAMEROTA: Yes, but --</s>COFFMAN: -- to try and bring peace to this --</s>CAMEROTA: I mean -- sorry to interrupt you. It doesn't feel like it's deescalating. It feels like it's escalating. If the North tests a nuclear -- does a nuclear test this weekend, or fires a missile, how should the U.S. respond?</s>COFFMAN: Well, I think -- well, I don't think we should respond in terms of going to war. I think -- I think our concern is that it is, it is another step towards North Korea gaining the capability to not only attack targets within its region but also the United States. And so, again, I think showing I think resolve from a military perspective all options are on the table, but I think, sending a message to China we are serious. China is North Korea's only true ally, true trading partner and I do think by putting pressure ultimately on North Korea, we can -- it's the only way we can resolve the situation. I mean, with China, it's the only way to resolve this situation with North Korea.</s>CAMEROTA: Congressman, let put up a map for you of the interaction since President Trump came into the Oval Office, because there are lots of places, hot spots where the U.S. already acted. There is, of course, Syria. There was the strike on the air base there. There was also a terrible friendly fire incident there. There was Yemen and the failed raid that killed the -- well, I shouldn't say failed raid. The one that went wrong and killed civilians as well as a marine. You see what's happening in Afghanistan. You see what's happening in Somalia. You see what's happening in North Korea. Is it time for President Trump to consult Congress for permission on some of these things?</s>COFFMAN: Well, I think if we look at the situation in Syria, he certainly consulted congressional leadership within 48 hours. I'm looking at tightening up what we call the War Powers Act of 1973 that kind of defines the relationship between the White House, the president as commander-in-chief, and Congress in terms of authorizing military action. But I think the president certainly was within the parameters of current law in what he's done.</s>CAMEROTA: OK. Congressman Mike Coffman, thank you very much for being with us on NEW DAY this morning.</s>COFFMAN: Thank you very much for having me.</s>CAMEROTA: Over to John.</s>JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right. Thanks, Alisyn. On the campaign trail, President Trump promised an American-first policy. In just 85 days, he's made several reversals on that vow. Is there a strategy?