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Trump criticizes House resolution to limit military actions
U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned a House of Representatives vote aimed at restricting his authority to engage in military action against Iran, calling the move "unpatriotic" in a post on Truth Social.
House passes war powers resolution
On Wednesday, the House approved a concurrent resolution seeking to block Trump from further military operations in Iran without congressional approval. The measure passed 215-208, with four Republican lawmakers joining all voting Democrats.
The resolution, if also approved by the Senate, would not require Trump's signature but could face legal challenges. The White House has dismissed the effort as unconstitutional and lacking legal force.
Trump's response and political fallout
In a Thursday morning post, Trump accused Democrats of prioritizing opposition to him over national success, calling them "fueled by Trump Derangement Syndrome." He also criticized the four Republicans who supported the measure, labeling them "GRANDSTANDERS" who "should be ashamed of themselves."
"Yesterday, in a meaningless vote, the House voted, 4 bad Republicans and all of the Dumocrats, to limit my War Powers, right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Who would do such an unpatriotic thing."
Donald Trump, Truth Social
Republican dissent and broader impact
The four Republicans who broke ranks-Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson-joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. Barrett, a Michigan representative, defended his vote, stating, "Congress alone declares war, that's something certainly we need to be protective of."
When asked about potential retribution from Trump, Barrett responded, "I vote my conscience for what I think is right and [am] willing to accept that."
This marks the fourth attempt by the House to curb Trump's war powers. A similar resolution advanced in the Senate in May but has yet to reach a full vote.
Symbolic vote adds pressure amid rising opposition
Though largely symbolic, the resolution's passage increases pressure on the White House to resolve the conflict, as public opposition grows and petrol prices surge. The vote also highlights divisions within the Republican Party, following a recent conservative revolt that forced the administration to abandon a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund for political allies.
