Lawmakers Unite to Stop Trump's Potential Mideast War

The political landscape in Washington is shifting, with an unusual alliance forming to prevent the U. S. from getting dragged into a conflict between Israel and Iran. This group includes both staunch Trump supporters and progressive Democrats, all concerned about the potential for another endless war in the Middle East. In a surprising turn, some of Trump's biggest backers are joining forces with Democrats who have long opposed U. S. involvement in foreign conflicts without congressional approval. This alliance could pose a significant challenge to Trump's influence over his hard-right base. Two key figures in this coalition are Rep. Thomas Massie, a libertarian Republican from Kentucky, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a progressive Democrat from California. They are pushing for a war powers resolution that would require the administration to seek congressional approval before taking any significant action in the Israel-Iran conflict. Massie and Khanna have a history of working together on similar issues. During Trump's first term, they co-sponsored a resolution to limit U. S. involvement in the Yemen war, which passed Congress but was not signed by the president. This time, they are introducing their measure as a privileged resolution, which would force a quick vote in the House. The intensity of the MAGA base's opposition to another Middle East war is reflected in the comments of high-profile figures like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon. They have warned Trump against getting involved in what they see as a potentially endless conflict. Even some of Trump's closest allies on Capitol Hill, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have expressed concerns about the risks of foreign intervention. Khanna points out that the non-interventionist stance was a key part of Trump's rise to power. The MAGA movement initially gained traction as a rejection of the Bush administration's wars in the Middle East. This historical context adds depth to the current debate. However, getting the resolution passed will not be easy. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, could potentially revoke the privilege of the resolution. Additionally, not all Democrats are on board with the non-interventionist stance. Some still hold more hawkish views on the Middle East. Meanwhile, in the Senate, Sen. Tim Kaine is leading a similar effort to prevent Trump from unilaterally involving the U. S. in a war with Iran. Kaine has been a vocal advocate for reining in presidential war powers and has bipartisan support for his efforts. The political climate is tense, with both parties grappling with the complexities of foreign policy and the desire to avoid another protracted conflict. The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, but the unusual alliance highlights the deep divisions within both parties on issues of war and peace.