US President Donald Trump has criticised lawmakers who backed a House measure aimed at limiting his authority to continue military action against Iran, describing the vote as "unpatriotic" and singling out four Republican members who joined Democrats in support of the resolution.
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The US House of Representatives approved the measure on Wednesday by a 215-208 vote. The resolution seeks to require Trump either to withdraw US forces involved in the conflict or obtain congressional approval for any further military action.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump condemned the vote, arguing it came at a critical stage in efforts to end the conflict.
"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," he wrote. "Who would do such an unpatriotic thing."
White House Pushback
The White House has dismissed the resolution, arguing that it lacks meaningful effect and represents an unconstitutional attempt to restrict presidential authority.
The measure adopted by the House is a concurrent resolution. If it also passes the Republican-controlled Senate, it would not require the president's signature to take effect. However, its legal standing could face challenges.
Trump continued his criticism in the same social media post, accusing Democrats of opposing him for political reasons and directing particular anger at the Republican lawmakers who broke ranks.
"The Democrats are fueled by Trump Derangement Syndrome. They would rather have our Country fail than give me another, of many, victories," he wrote.
Referring to the four Republicans who supported the resolution, Trump added: "They're GRANDSTANDERS! They should be ashamed of themselves."
Growing Pressure Over the War
The House vote marked the fourth effort by lawmakers to curb Trump's war powers during the conflict. A similar resolution advanced in the Senate in May, although senators have not yet held a final vote on the measure.
While the resolution is widely viewed as largely symbolic, its passage increases political pressure on the administration as concerns over the war grow. Rising petrol prices and increasing public opposition have added to scrutiny of the White House's handling of the conflict.
The vote also highlighted divisions within the Republican Party. It came shortly after a separate dispute in Congress led the administration to abandon plans for a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund intended to support political allies.
Republican Split Emerges
The four Republicans who voted in favour of the resolution were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Barrett of Michigan and Warren Davidson of Ohio. They joined all House Democrats in supporting the measure.
Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who had opposed similar efforts in the past, also voted in favour this time.
Barrett defended his decision, arguing that Congress has a constitutional role in authorising war.
"Congress alone declares war, that's something certainly we need to be protective of," he said.
Asked whether he feared retaliation from Trump, Barrett replied: "I vote my conscience for what I think is right and willing to accept that."
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 June 2026
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