Trump Dodges Congress Vote on Iran War Because GOP Lawmakers Fear Backlash

Yesterday marked 60 days since President Trump launched his ill-fated war in Iran, a conflict that the U.S. Constitution clearly states requires congressional approval. Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the sole power to declare war, and the War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that troops must be withdrawn within 60 days unless Congress explicitly authorizes an extension.

Yet Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are insisting that no congressional vote is necessary to continue the conflict. Hegseth claims the ceasefire agreement with Iran has paused the 60-day clock, a transparent dodge echoed by Trump in a letter to Congress. This is nonsense designed to avoid accountability.

Why would Trump, backed by a Republican-controlled Congress, refuse to put the war to a vote? The answer is simple: Republican lawmakers are terrified of the political fallout. Some GOP members might defect and join Democrats in opposing the war’s continuation. Even a close vote would force a public debate and pressure Trump to commit to a withdrawal plan.

More importantly, Trump’s war is deeply unpopular with voters. Midterm elections loom in six months, and GOP members know that a vote supporting Trump’s war could be weaponized against them on the campaign trail. Rising gas prices linked to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz only add fuel to the fire.

Rather than face this political risk, congressional Republicans have chosen the coward’s path. They are going along with Hegseth’s false claim that the ceasefire has stopped the clock, or even more absurdly, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, insisting there is no “war” at all and thus no need for a vote.

This is not leadership. It is a betrayal of constitutional duty and a glaring example of cowardice by the very people who claim to represent the American people. Trump’s war continues unchecked, while Congress hides behind convenient lies to avoid accountability.

We will keep holding those in power responsible for their actions — or their failures to act.