Democrats Skeptical of Funding for Trump's Iran War

Lawmakers raise concerns over costs and lack of authorization for ongoing military operations.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Democrats in the U.S. Senate are expressing skepticism about providing additional funding for President Trump's military campaign against Iran, citing the high costs, lack of congressional authorization, and other domestic priorities that require investment. Several senators, including Bernie Sanders, Chris Murphy, and Brian Schatz, have criticized the administration's requests for more military spending, arguing the money would be better spent on healthcare, housing, and other needs for Americans.

Why it matters

The debate over funding for the Iran conflict highlights the growing divide between the White House and Congress over the president's use of military force without explicit approval from lawmakers. Democrats are concerned the open-ended bombing campaign could become another costly, protracted war in the Middle East, draining resources from domestic programs.

The details

The Trump administration is expected to soon request billions more in military funding to sustain the bombing campaign against Iran, which was launched without congressional authorization. Most Democrats are opposed to approving such funding, arguing the money would be better spent on pressing domestic needs. Some senators, like Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, say they want more information about the goals of the war before deciding on additional funding. Others, like Ruben Gallego, say U.S. allies in the region should contribute financially to the conflict.

  • The Trump administration could soon request more military funding for the Iran campaign.
  • Congress passed a $900 billion defense spending bill last year.

The players

President Donald Trump

The president who launched the military campaign against Iran without seeking congressional approval.

Sen. Chris Murphy

A Democratic senator from Connecticut who has said Congress should simply refuse to provide funding for the "illegal, unpopular, potentially world-altering war" against Iran.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

An independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats and has argued the money should be invested in the American people, not an "endless war."

Sen. Brian Schatz

A Democratic senator from Hawaii and senior appropriator who has said the war is costing $1 billion per day, more than what was needed to provide healthcare for millions of Americans.

Sen. Rand Paul

A Republican senator from Kentucky who was the lone GOP vote to end hostilities with Iran, and has criticized the administration's shift from its anti-war campaign promises.

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What they’re saying

“We got people sleeping on the street. People can't afford health care, people can't afford groceries, people can't afford child care, education. Invest in the American people, not in an endless war.”

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (HuffPost)

“In one fucking month we will spend more over there than we needed to save healthcare for more than 2 million Americans. They literally are taking away your food and your healthcare for this regime change war of choice.”

— Sen. Brian Schatz (HuffPost)

“Our military spending is already more than the next 10 countries combined. So, no, I'm not for spending more money.”

— Sen. Rand Paul (HuffPost)

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to soon request additional military funding from Congress to sustain the bombing campaign against Iran.

The takeaway

The debate over funding for the Iran conflict highlights the growing divide between the White House and Congress over the president's use of military force without explicit approval from lawmakers. Democrats are concerned the open-ended bombing campaign could become another costly, protracted war in the Middle East, draining resources from domestic programs that many Americans desperately need.