Bill Cassidy accuses Trump of treating Congress as ‘merely an appendage’
Out-going Louisiana senator’s rebuke over Iran war is rare instance of a Republican politician standing up to Trump
TL;DR
- Senator Bill Cassidy, who is losing his seat, accused President Trump of treating Congress as "merely an appendage" in handling the Iran war.
- Cassidy described a "face-to-face row" with Trump over the president's failure to brief Congress on hostilities with Tehran.
- The senator explained that the US Constitution's separation of powers requires Congress to be briefed, preventing an overly powerful presidency.
- Following the argument, Trump conceded and provided a briefing, after which Cassidy dropped his support for a symbolic war powers resolution.
- Cassidy questioned Trump's domestic priorities, suggesting focus on affordability for average Americans over actions like the Save America Act.
- Regarding the Iran war, Cassidy noted that a "medium-sized power" was perceived to have fought a superpower to a draw, costing $29bn and 13 American lives.
- He also threatened to object to the confirmation of acting attorney general Todd Blanche over a proposed $1.8bn "weaponization fund" and efforts to shield Trump from IRS audits.