President Donald Trump on Thursday slammed Congress’ efforts to restrain him from launching new attacks against Iran without their approval, dismissing a House resolution as a 'meaningless, unpatriotic waste of time.' In a phone interview with The Independent, Trump said he was 'not concerned' about the legislation, which invokes the 1973 War Powers Act.
House Vote and Republican Revolt
The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to pass a resolution directing Trump to 'remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.' Four Republicans—Reps. Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky—joined Democrats in supporting the measure, authored by Rep. Greg Meeks of New York.
Trump took to Truth Social to savage the 'four bad Republicans,' accusing them of 'grandstanding' and saying they 'should be ashamed of themselves.' He claimed Democrats were 'fueled by Trump Derangement Syndrome' and 'would rather have our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories.'
War Powers Act and Ceasefire Confusion
The resolution is the fourth such effort by the House to invoke the War Powers Act on Iran. Under the Nixon-era law, the president must withdraw troops within 60 days of a military engagement unless Congress declares war or authorizes force. The president must also inform Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces.
Trump downplayed the significance of recent exchanges of fire with Iran, even as talks to end the conflict continue. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, he dismissed questions about the shaky ceasefire, suggesting that 'in that part a ceasefire is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner.'
Political and Economic Fallout
Trump has insisted Iranian leaders are eager to strike a deal to end the three-month-old conflict he started and resolve the Strait of Hormuz stalemate, which has caused oil prices to skyrocket and fueled renewed inflation. His approval rating hit a record-low 37 percent in a New York Times/Siena College poll last month, with 59 percent disapproving of his job performance. Additionally, 65 percent disapproved of his handling of the Iran war, and more than half said he made the wrong decision to spark conflict in February.
