Donald Trump suffered a significant setback last week when the House of Representatives passed a measure under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, directing the White House to remove all US forces from hostilities against Iran. The vote, which saw four Republicans join Democrats, came weeks after the Senate voted 50-47 to advance its own version of the bill.
Trump was predictably irate, posting on Truth Social that the vote was “meaningless” and accusing the four Republicans and all Democrats of being “unpatriotic”. This is not the first time he has excoriated rebels in his party on foreign policy; earlier this year, he named five Republican senators who voted to limit his authority on Venezuela, though two later flipped.
However, analysts say Trump’s intimidation tactics may not work this time. The war in Iran has been costly: 13 American troops killed, energy prices soaring, and a majority of Americans now oppose the conflict. A June 4 Economist/YouGov poll found 68% want a deal to end the fighting quickly.
Congressional Republicans are breaking with Trump over Iran, likely prompted by the war’s unpopularity and Trump’s plummeting poll numbers. If the legislation moves to the Senate, further Republican defections are expected.
Though the House vote is a concurrent resolution lacking the force of law, it signals growing political pressure on Trump. With midterm elections approaching, lawmakers fear a backlash if they are seen as failing to restrain the president. Trump’s recognition that the war cannot be won may ultimately force him to pull back.
