Republicans on Thursday struggled to find the necessary votes to dismiss legislation aimed at compelling President Trump to withdraw from the conflict with Iran, ultimately delaying planned votes into June. This decision signals a growing lack of support within Congress for a war initiated without prior congressional approval, as frustration mounts over the conflict’s disruption to global shipping and rising gas prices. Despite White House arguments that the War Powers Resolution no longer applies due to a ceasefire, some Republicans believe the president’s legal timeline for engaging in military action without congressional authorization has expired.
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A lawsuit has been filed against President Trump by three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian. They contend that the President’s plan to construct a 250-foot “Triumphal Arch” at Arlington National Cemetery is unlawful due to a lack of congressional approval. The plaintiffs argue this massive structure would disrespect the cemetery’s fallen soldiers and violate federal law. While supporters claim the arch is a celebration of American history and spirit, opponents deem it a vainglorious project that would overshadow existing landmarks.
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During an exchange, Wiles acknowledged that drug smuggling is not a death penalty offense but framed the strikes as part of a “war on drugs” declared solely by the president. Whipple pointed out the lack of congressional approval, to which Wiles responded it was not yet needed. While admitting attacks on Venezuelan mainland would require congressional approval, Rubio deferred legal questions regarding the boat strikes to the Department of Defense. Despite Trump’s actions, Wiles maintained the president prefers to be seen as a peacemaker.
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A tense standoff occurred at the US African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters when a team from Elon Musk’s “Doge” unit, accompanied by a Trump appointee, attempted to enter and carry out firings. USADF staff, citing a letter from their chair, refused entry, asserting that the firings violated the agency’s governing statute and required Congressional approval. This incident, following similar resistance at another agency, highlights ongoing legal challenges against Trump administration efforts to dismantle federal agencies. The USADF, established to support African communities, has distributed over $141 million in grants since 2019.
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The White House dismissed USAID Inspector General Paul Martin after his office warned that the administration’s actions had severely hampered oversight of $8.2 billion in unspent humanitarian funds, jeopardizing aid delivery and potentially contributing to thousands of deaths. This firing follows a pattern of the Trump administration removing inspectors general and is coupled with a lawsuit alleging that the dismantling of USAID is causing substantial financial harm to American businesses and contractors, leaving them unpaid for completed work. The lawsuit, joined by numerous organizations, challenges the legality of the administration’s actions, citing the lack of congressional approval and devastating humanitarian consequences. This action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restructure USAID, facing several ongoing legal challenges.
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John Q. Hosedrinker