7 House Republicans Defy Trump on Iran War Powers as Battleground GOP Breaks on Immigration, Tariffs
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 19
7 House Republicans Defy Trump on Iran War Powers as Battleground GOP Breaks on Immigration, Tariffs
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 19
Summary
Seven House Republicans backed a resolution this week to limit Donald Trump’s Iran war powers, the biggest GOP break yet as vulnerable incumbents search for distance from an unpopular president.
Iowa Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks framed their votes around avoiding an open-ended war and higher gas prices, while Maria Elvira Salazar said Trump’s immigration crackdown had “gone too far.”
Farm-state Republicans have also revolted after Trump paused tariffs on foreign beef, and other battleground candidates have pushed back on Canada trade moves, border-wall plans and local cost issues.
Trump and the RNC have largely tolerated the dissent rather than punishing it, with operatives describing a “do what you gotta do” posture aimed at protecting GOP majorities.
That flexibility reflects the political risk: Quinnipiac found voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran by more than 2 to 1, even as many Republicans still bet voters will accept economic pain.