House Curbs Trump’s Military Powers on Iran

President Donald Trump faced a setback in the House of Representatives when lawmakers voted to limit his authority to engage in military actions against Iran without congressional approval. The vote was 215-208, with a few Republicans siding with Democrats to pass the resolution.

All Democrats present supported the measure, aiming to end the U.S. military involvement in Iran. Republicans Thomas Massie, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Tom Barrett joined them. Massie and Davidson have criticized the war, while Fitzpatrick and Barrett are up for re-election in contested districts.

On May 30, 2026, protests erupted in Tehran’s Revolution Square following U.S. and Israeli attacks, with many attendees expressing anger through displays of flags and posters of the late Ali Khamenei.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast commented on the measure, describing it as pointless political maneuvering. He argued that the resolution lacked clarity on which forces should be withdrawn.

The vote represents a symbolic defeat for Trump, as he is expected to veto it, and there is no veto-proof majority. The 1973 War Powers Resolution that requires congressional oversight is viewed as unconstitutional by the administration.

The Senate has also moved forward with similar measures to limit the president’s war powers. However, without a joint measure from both chambers, it cannot reach Trump for further action.

Brian Mast further criticized the resolution by Rep. Gregory Meeks, labeling it a “BS vote”. Meanwhile, Rep. Abe Hamadeh emphasized that much of the conflict had subsided since a ceasefire in April and called for negotiation latitude for the president.

Republicans delayed the vote initially due to attendance issues. Gregory Meeks later expressed confidence that the votes were available for passage, despite the challenges.