Trump’s Iran war messaging is not winning over Americans The US House of Representatives has voted to direct President Trump to withdraw forces from hostilities with Iran, a move Trump condemned as unpatriotic. Despite the administration claiming the war is over and only defensive strikes are occurring, gas prices remain high and the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed. Public disapproval of Trump’s handling of Iran is high, and the Senate is set to vote on a similar measure.

• The US House of Representatives voted 215-208 to direct the president to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran.
• Donald Trump called the vote “unpatriotic” and blamed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
• Four Republicans crossed the aisle to vote for the measure, citing various reasons including opposition to the war, legality, and economic impact.
• The administration insists Operation Epic Fury has concluded and only defensive strikes are being conducted.
• Despite claims of the war being over, gas prices are high, and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.
• Trump’s own Truth Social post mentioned “final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
• A May Economist/YouGov survey found 59% disapproved of Trump’s handling of Iran.
• The Senate has reached a 50-vote majority on a similar war powers measure.
• Rising gas prices have hurt household finances, costing US households roughly $100bn in aggregate.
• The White House correctly notes the House vote is largely symbolic, but symbols can accumulate.