President Trump launched angry phone calls to five Republican senators who broke ranks and voted to advance a War Powers resolution curbing his authority in Venezuela, according to multiple sources familiar with the exchanges.
At a Glance
- Five Republican senators voted with Democrats to require Congressional approval for military action in Venezuela
- Trump called each senator after the vote, threatening primary challenges
- The president labeled all five “should never be elected to office again” on Truth Social
- Sen. Susan Collins received particularly sharp criticism during her call
The Senate’s procedural vote Thursday moved the legislation forward to a full vote requiring only a simple majority. Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Democrats in supporting the measure.
The Aftermath
Sources described Trump’s calls as “direct but cordial,” though the conversation with Collins escalated. The president raised his voice while criticizing the six-term senator, who faces re-election this year.
A person close to Collins indicated Trump’s rhetoric wouldn’t influence her political decisions, though she hasn’t formally announced her re-election plans.
Trump’s Public Response
On Truth Social, Trump declared all five senators “should never be elected to office again.” He argued the vote “greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President’s Authority as Commander in Chief.”
The president further claimed the War Powers Act is “Unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me.”
Mixed Reactions from Senators
Despite the heated calls, some senators maintained support for Trump. Hawley told News Of Philadelphia he “loves the President” and thinks he’s “doing a great job,” suggesting he might change his vote during final passage.
Paul also praised Trump when speaking with News Of Philadelphia reporters.
What’s Next
The legislation now heads to a full Senate vote where it needs only a simple majority to pass. Hawley indicated he could reverse his position during this final vote.
The White House has not responded to News Of Philadelphia‘s request for comment about the calls and has not confirmed they occurred.
Key Takeaways
- The War Powers resolution would require Congressional approval for military action in Venezuela
- Trump’s personal lobbying efforts included both private calls and public attacks
- The vote highlights ongoing tensions between Congress and the executive branch over war powers
- Some Republican senators remain publicly supportive of Trump despite the pressure
