GOP Sen. Ron Johnson Breaks with Trump Over Iran Threats

Johnson criticizes president's rhetoric about bombing civilian infrastructure as bipartisan opposition grows.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:08am

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A photorealistic painting of an electrical substation or power plant in warm, golden sunlight, with deep shadows across the structure, conveying a sense of fragility and vulnerability.As tensions over the U.S. conflict with Iran escalate, a somber painting captures the vulnerability of the country's civilian infrastructure.Washington Today

Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has broken ranks with President Donald Trump over the president's threats to bomb civilian infrastructure in Iran. Johnson said he hopes Trump is just using 'bluster' and that he does not want to see the U.S. 'start blowing up civilian infrastructure.' Democrats in Congress have strongly condemned Trump's rhetoric and called on Republicans to join them in voting against the president's 'reckless war of choice' in Iran.

Why it matters

Johnson's criticism of Trump's Iran threats is significant as he is typically a staunch ally of the president. The growing bipartisan opposition to Trump's actions highlights the serious concerns over the potential for further escalation and civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The details

In a podcast interview, Johnson said he 'does not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure' in Iran, adding 'We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them.' Trump has threatened to bomb bridges and power plants in Iran if the country does not open up the critical Strait of Hormuz. Democrats have condemned this as potentially violating international law and amounting to war crimes.

  • On Easter Sunday, Trump issued a threat to unleash 'Hell' if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz.
  • On Tuesday, Trump threatened that a 'whole civilization will die tonight' if Iran did not comply with his demands by 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Ron Johnson

A Republican senator from Wisconsin who is typically a close ally of President Trump, but has broken with the president over his threats to bomb civilian infrastructure in Iran.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has threatened to bomb bridges and power plants in Iran if the country does not open the Strait of Hormuz.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Majority Leader and top Democrat who has strongly condemned Trump's rhetoric, calling the president an 'extremely sick person' for his threats.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader who has called on Republicans to join Democrats in voting against Trump's 'reckless war of choice' in Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure ... We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them.”

— Ron Johnson, Republican Senator

“Trump's illegal war in Iran has already led to enormous death and destruction, including a school bombing that killed over 100 children. Congress must immediately act to rein him in before more people die.”

— Pramila Jayapal, Democratic Representative

“Threatening the annihilation of an entire civilization is dangerous beyond words, and hearing it from the person commanding our military should alarm every American.”

— Mike Levin, Democratic Representative

What’s next

Congress is expected to hold emergency hearings and votes in the coming days to try to rein in President Trump's actions and authority over the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The takeaway

Johnson's break with Trump over the Iran threats highlights the growing bipartisan concerns about the president's reckless rhetoric and the potential for further escalation and civilian casualties in the conflict. This underscores the critical role Congress must play in checking the president's war powers and preventing an unnecessary and devastating war.