To the Editor:

Re “U.S. Strike in Iraq Kills Commander of Iranian Force” (front page, Jan. 3):

Is it any surprise that, as the case for President Trump’s removal from office grows stronger, the headlines announce presidential actions that essentially represent a unilateral declaration of war? It takes no prescience to predict that escalating political pressures would lead to increasingly reckless efforts at distraction by the president.

War is the ultimate distraction, and there is little doubt that the assassination of Qassim Suleimani directed by Mr. Trump will lead to violent retaliations by those who saw him as a protector and leader.

Once again, Mr. Trump will claim justification for this action, purportedly taken to end increasing violence that he himself initiated by ending the nuclear agreement with Iran and imposing sanctions.

Removal of this president is no longer a partisan issue. It is an existential issue.

Charles Q. Sullivan

Milwaukee