Senate GOP Holds Up Nominees, Curbs Trump on Iran War

Senate Republicans have begun using their constitutional powers to slow or block elements of President Trump’s agenda, creating the first sustained friction in his second term. The moves center on two fronts: delaying confirmation of a new attorney general and restricting unilateral military action against Iran.

Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas, both retiring after Trump-backed primary challenges, have refused to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination to lead the Justice Department. They are demanding a written assurance that the administration will not create a $1.8 billion fund to pursue what they describe as political targets. Trump has indicated he may withdraw the nomination until both senators leave office. Three other Republicans—Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—joined to block Bill Pulte’s appointment as director of national intelligence, forcing the White House to abandon that effort.

On war powers, a bipartisan group that included Cassidy and Rand Paul of Kentucky supported a resolution requiring congressional approval for continued operations in Iran. The measure failed 49-50. The conflict, which began in February, has already cost tens of billions of dollars, wounded hundreds of U.S. service members, and killed 18, according to congressional and administration statements. A similar House resolution passed earlier with four Republican votes.

Majority Leader John Thune has resisted Trump’s call to eliminate the legislative filibuster and has told the president to secure votes himself rather than expect automatic support. These actions occur with the 2026 midterms approaching and multiple Republican retirements already announced. The Senate’s advice-and-consent role, outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, has historically produced near-unanimous party-line confirmations in recent transitions; the current pattern marks a departure from that record.