Again, in Wag the Dog, war has to be declared by an act of congress. But if you go to war, you don't have to declare war. You're just at war and we did that, which is not legal.

The quote, "Again, in Wag the Dog, war has to be declared by an act of congress. But if you go to war, you don't have to declare war. You're just at war and we did that, which is not legal," comes from Val Kilmer, an American actor known for his roles in films such as Top Gun and The Doors. In this statement, Kilmer references the movie Wag the Dog, which satirically explores political manipulation and the public’s perception of war. He uses the reference to critique the legal and political procedures surrounding military action.

At its core, Kilmer is highlighting a distinction between formal declarations of war and the reality of engaging in military action without congressional approval. He points out that while the U.S. Constitution requires Congress to declare war, in practice, wars can begin without formal declarations, raising questions about the legality and legitimacy of such actions.

The origin of the quote reflects Kilmer’s commentary on the intersection of politics, media, and military power, inspired by Wag the Dog, a film that critiques how public perception can be manipulated in times of conflict. By connecting the movie’s plot to real-world practices, Kilmer underscores the tension between law, ethics, and political expediency in U.S. foreign policy.

In summary, this quote serves as both a legal observation and a critique. Kilmer emphasizes that engaging in military action without formal declaration may be technically illegal and highlights the importance of constitutional checks and balances. It reflects broader concerns about the rule of law, accountability, and the ethical exercise of state power.