President Donald Trump had a contentious lunch with GOP senators, which escalated into a shouting match with outgoing Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.). The discussion primarily focused on Trump's handling of the war in Iran and the Senate's recent passage of a war powers resolution. Trump criticized the four Republican senators who voted for the resolution, which aims to limit his military actions in Iran. Cassidy responded by stating that Trump had not accurately informed the public about the situation, noting that a military campaign expected to last four weeks has extended to four months.
The exchange became increasingly tense as Trump referenced Cassidy's recent primary loss to a challenger supported by Trump. Cassidy asserted his stance, stating he would not tolerate bullying and would continue to advocate for his constituents. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) characterized the lunch as 'spirited,' while Cassidy's anger was described by a source as intense. Trump urged the senators to support the SAVE America Act and eliminate the filibuster, reiterating demands he has made previously.
Despite the heated discussions, there was little progress on the SAVE America Act or a bipartisan housing bill, which Trump had canceled a signing ceremony for at the last minute. Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) remained silent during the lunch. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) noted that senators left with the same opinions they had before the meeting. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) mentioned that Trump expressed many of his frustrations, while Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who organized the lunch, indicated Trump was disappointed with the senators who voted for the war powers resolution. Trump was accompanied by several top officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.