NEW YORK — In a statement to the United Nations Security Council on Monday, President Barack Obama gave a heartfelt apology for what he called the "tragic and brutal" actions which will be taken by American troops in the wars of the future.

"These as-yet unrealized conflicts risk further damaging America's credibility and reputation throughout the world," said Obama. "It is with deep regret, yet firm hope in the promise of the slightly-more-distant future, that I extend the sincere apologies of the United States."

While President Obama has shown little hesitance to apologize for the actions and policies of his predecessors, the unprecedented step of apologizing for those of his successors has rankled lawmakers and pundits in both political parties.

"The President is assuming the very worst in America," said Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). "It's bad enough when he runs around the world apologizing for America's past, but to see the president bowing and scraping before the U.N., apologizing for America's future? That's beyond appalling."