Trump suffers GOP revolt as four Republicans join Democrats to block Iran War Powers push

By SAMANTHA LOREN, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 18:24, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 18:27, 23 July 2026 Four Republican lawmakers broke ranks with President Donald Trump on Thursday, joining Democrats to pass a war powers resolution aimed at restraining his war in Iran. The 214–208 vote comes as US Central Command announced Wednesday that American forces completed another round of strikes against Iran, targeting Iranian military assets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities and coastal surveillance sites and air defense assets. The Republicans who voted for the measure were Congressman Thomas Massie, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Barrett.  The resolution calls for an end to US military hostilities against Iran that have not been specifically authorized by Congress but does not have any practical effect.  The vote marks a political setback for Trump, though the resolution's practical effect remains uncertain.  It is expected to face further consideration in the Senate, and its ultimate impact will depend on both congressional action and constitutional questions surrounding presidential war powers. Democrats pushed to drag the War Powers Resolution back to the House floor after three U.S. troops were killed in a weekend attack — fueling fresh calls to rein in military action overseas. While the War Powers Resolution may allow lawmakers to make their anger known and fuel the political battle in Washington, it is unlikely to actually stop President Trump’s actions. The vote marks a political setback for Trump, though the resolution's practical effect remains uncertain Representative Thomas Massie has long been one of the most independent Republicans on foreign policy and has been a leading sponsor of efforts to restrict the Iran operation US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth  salute as a US Army carry team carries the flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, during a dignified transfer solemn event for US service members killed during operations in the Middle East, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, on July 22, 2026 Without stronger enforcement powers or enough support in Congress, the measure remains largely a symbolic rebuke rather than a tool capable of forcing the president to change course. The financial cost of the campaign is also mounting, with Pentagon assessments estimating the conflict has cost the United States approximately $37.5 billion. Officials estimate 18 US troops have been killed and hundreds more injured since fighting began. A new Daily Mail/JL Partners poll shows only 32 percent of voters approve of the President's handling of the war with Iran, and 49 percent believe he was wrong to launch military action that's resulted in the deaths of 17 US troops, with over 100 injured. Trump's approval rating stands at 44 percent, slightly down from 47 percent in mid-June after a peace deal framework was announced.