In brief
During a closed-door lunch, Trump angrily confronted the four GOP senators who backed a resolution to halt Iran military operations, leading to a shouting match with Senator Bill Cassidy.
Trump refuses to sign a bipartisan housing bill until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, his signature voting restrictions bill, which lacks the votes to clear the 60-vote threshold.
Senator Bill Cassidy, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, told the president he had not informed the American people about the Iran war's expansion and refused to be bullied.
Trump again urged senators to abolish the filibuster to pass his agenda, but GOP members left the meeting unmoved, with Senator Kevin Cramer noting no one changed their opinion.
Trump demands action on voting bill
Trump arrived at the Capitol determined to pressure Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, a measure requiring photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. The legislation has failed five times, and GOP senators say they still lack the votes to overcome the 60-vote threshold. Trump refused to sign a bipartisan housing affordability bill until the Senate acts, calling the voting measure a "National Emergency" on Truth Social. Senate Majority Leader John Thune had warned earlier that the votes simply were not there.
Iran war powers resolution ignites fury
The lunch, however, was consumed by the Senate's passage of a war powers resolution the day before. Four Republicans joined Democrats to approve a measure demanding Trump either end military operations against Iran or seek congressional authorization. With the conflict now in its fourth month, senators voiced frustration at a lack of briefings and clear objectives. Trump, according to attendees, opened the meeting by confronting those four senators directly.
Shouting match with Bill Cassidy
The exchange turned explosive when Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who lost his primary last month to a Trump-backed challenger, stood to defend his vote. He told the president he had not informed the American people about the war's status.
“You have not told the American people what's going on. It was supposed to last four weeks; it's lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved.”
“If someone tries to bully me, I ain't gonna put up with that.”
“mad as a murder hornet”
Filibuster and lingering grievances
Beyond Iran, Trump renewed his call for Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster, a demand lawmakers have repeatedly rejected. He also raised stalled judicial nominations and years-old legal disputes. According to Senator Kevin Cramer, nobody walked away with a changed mind. Trump later told reporters the party remained united but added that there were people in the room he did not like.
Housing bill remains in limbo
Before the lunch, Trump abruptly canceled a signing ceremony for the housing legislation, which had passed with wide bipartisan support. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic cosponsor, accused Trump of ignoring the affordability crisis gripping families. The bill's fate now hangs on the SAVE Act's prospects, which appear dim.