Trump urges Senate to reject effort to reel in his Iran war powers

President Trump on Wednesday pressed the Senate to vote against a resolution that would rein in his ability to take military action against Iran without congressional approval.

Trump lamented that the resolution, which is scheduled to get a vote on Thursday and will likely pass with bipartisan support, would “show weakness.”

“It is very important for our Country’s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution. We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness,” Trump said in a series of tweets. “Americans overwhelmingly support our attack on terrorist Soleimani. If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day. Sends a very bad signal.”

Trump suggested the resolution was merely an effort by Democrats “to embarrass the Republican Party,” even as multiple GOP senators are expected to vote for it.

….If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day. Sends a very bad signal. The Democrats are only doing this as an attempt to embarrass the Republican Party. Don’t let it happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2020

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) spearheaded the resolution, which would require Trump to remove U.S. troops “engaged in hostilities” against Iran unless Congress signs off with a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force.

Five Republicans so far have said they plan to vote in favor of the measure: Sens. Jerry Moran (Kansas), Susan Collins (Maine), Mike Lee (Utah), Rand Paul (Ky.) and Todd Young (Ind.). The resolution needs a simple majority to pass.

Lawmakers, and Democrats in particular, have pushed to roll back certain presidential war powers in the wake of a drone strike in Iraq that Trump ordered last month that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who led the country’s Quds Force.

The attack on Soleimani prompted Iran to fire missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. personnel. The two countries have since stepped back from a potentially prolonged military engagement.

While Trump originally claimed there were no injuries, dozens of U.S. service members have been treated for traumatic brain injuries following the attack.