President Donald Trump is approaching a critical 60-day deadline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which limits military action without congressional approval. The deadline, set to expire on Friday, May 1, comes as the U.S. has been engaged in conflict with Iran since late February. The resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of military action and mandates withdrawal of forces after 60 days unless Congress authorizes further action.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a close Trump ally, has suggested the president could ignore the deadline, calling the War Powers Resolution "unconstitutional." Graham argued that past presidents, including Barack Obama, have operated beyond the 60-day limit, citing the absence of sustained fighting or U.S. troops on the ground. However, critics argue that the current conflict with Iran, which has seen intermittent ceasefires, still constitutes active hostilities.
Congressional Republicans are divided on the issue. Some, like Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), have indicated they may reconsider their stance after the deadline passes. Others, including Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), have joined Democrats in pushing for the president to withdraw forces. Meanwhile, Democrats have repeatedly introduced resolutions to limit Trump's military authority, though none have succeeded.
The White House has not yet clarified its plans for the deadline. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp questioning from lawmakers this week, with Democrats criticizing the administration's strategy and Republicans expressing concerns about the war's cost and duration. The conflict has already stretched beyond the four to five weeks Trump initially predicted, raising questions about its long-term implications.