Trump Pushes War Powers Pause

Whiplash week for Trump watchers: he declared the Iran war “terminated” to dodge a tough Congressional vote, but U.S. forces are still enforcing a massive naval blockade in the Gulf. The move is meant to buy time on the War Powers Act’s 60-day clock, avoiding another bruising fight with a skeptical Congress. But here’s the catch — experts and lawmakers from both parties say a blockade is a hostile act, so the legal maneuver may only buy him days, not real breathing room. Meanwhile, anger is rising at home: gas prices are stuck at $4.48 a gallon, at least 13 U.S. service members have died since late February, and polling from PBS and Pew shows over 60% disapprove of his Iran handling and only 34% approve of his job overall.

But the foreign policy juggling act isn’t the only drama. Trump is also pulling 5,000 troops out of Germany and threatening further cuts in Italy and Spain, spooking NATO allies and drawing warnings even from his own Republican chairs in Congress. Yet back home in Indiana, he’s flexing his primary muscle — knocking out five of seven incumbent state senators with handpicked challengers, fueled by $13.5 million in spending and his “Swamp the Vote” machine. The message is clear: cross him and pay a price, but the party risks alienating swing voters as the national brand sags.

Featuring insights from NBC, Politico, PBS, Pew Research Center, and key players like Sen. Susan Collins, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

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