US President Donald Trump and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy got into a heated argument in a closed-door meeting with Senate Republicans on Thursday (local time), exposing growing divisions within the Republican Party over Trump’s handling of Iran and his broader political agenda. Trump is demanding explanations from Republicans, a day after Republicans and Democrats voted together to limit his military authority in Iran and the conflict erupted. Cassidy, one of four Republican senators to support the measure, challenged the president, saying the administration failed to adequately explain its goals and strategy.CNN quoted Cassidy later recalling the incident as saying: “I stood up and said, ‘You’re not telling the American people what’s going on.'” He added that he questioned why the military operation was extended from an expected four weeks to four months and failed to achieve its original goals.Trump responded angrily, raising his voice at Cassidy, according to multiple people in the room. The Louisiana senator said he responded with the same “tone and volume” as the president. At one point, Trump ordered Cassidy to sit down, but the senator refused. Trump then reportedly called him a “crazy guy.” Cassidy continued to argue and eventually sat down after colleagues urged him to deescalate the situation. A White House official later accused the senator of “completely embarrassing himself” during the exchange.The tense clash came a day after Trump blasted four Republicans who backed the Iran war powers resolution on social media, calling them “Republican losers.” Senator John F. Kennedy said afterward that Trump was “as crazy as a murder hornet” about the vote. The conflict underscores growing dissatisfaction among some Republicans as Trump continues to pressure Congress on issues including Iran policy and election legislation. Several Republican lawmakers have privately expressed concerns about the president’s political strategy and declining support ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
