Trump rejects the War Powers Resolution
He’s probably right that it’s unconstitutionally rigid in its demands, but even if Trump wins on that point, he’ll still have to deal with Congress eventually.
Andrea Widburg | May 2, 2026
In 1973, when Nixon was winding down the Vietnam War, Congress enacted the War Powers Resolution. The Democrats backing the resolution held veto-proof majorities in both chambers of Congress. Nixon’s veto was symbolic only.
The Resolution puts the president on a clock: He has 48 hours after initiating an armed conflict to notify Congress, and after 60 days, unless Congress gives him permission, he must end the military action.
Today, President Trump has declared war on the War Powers Resolution, saying that Congress cannot constrain his constitutional role as commander in chief and executive over foreign policy. Trump is probably right that it’s unconstitutionally rigid in its demands, but even if he wins on that point, he’ll still have to deal with Congress eventually when it comes to money to run the war.
Here’s Trump’s tarmac statement:
https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/2050275602725282037 Let me just tell you, on the war powers, so many presidents, as you know, have gone and exceeded it. It’s never been used. It’s never been adhered to. And every other president considered it totally unconstitutional. And we agree with that.
What’s the basis for the gauntlet Trump has thrown down? It’s complicated.
There’s no doubt that the Constitution explicitly gives Congress the power “To declare War...”
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https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/05/trump_rejects_the_war_powers_resolution.html
