Republican Sen. Ron Johnson Breaks with Trump Over Iran Threats

Democrats call on Congress to act as president threatens to bomb civilian infrastructure

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a lone government building or political figure cast in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.As tensions over the president's Iran policy escalate, a somber, introspective scene reflects the growing political divisions.Washington Today

Republican Senator Ron Johnson, a close ally of President Trump, has broken with the president over his threats to bomb civilian infrastructure in Iran. Johnson said he hopes Trump is just using "bluster" and does not want to see the U.S. "start blowing up civilian infrastructure." Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have condemned Trump's threats and called on Congress to intervene before the situation escalates further.

Why it matters

Trump's threats to target bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure in Iran have raised concerns that such actions could violate international law and amount to war crimes. The growing divide between Trump and members of his own party over the Iran conflict highlights the political tensions surrounding the president's foreign policy decisions.

The details

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, spoke out against Trump's threats in a podcast, 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." Johnson's comments break from his usual support for the president. Democratic leaders, including Schumer and Jeffries, have strongly condemned Trump's rhetoric, with Schumer calling the president an "extremely sick person" for threatening that a "whole civilization will die tonight." Several other Democratic lawmakers have also urged Congress to act to rein in the president and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

  • On Tuesday, Trump threatened to bomb bridges and power plants in Iran if they don't open up the critical Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET.
  • On Easter Sunday, Trump threatened "Hell" if the Strait of Hormuz wasn't opened up.

The players

Senator Ron Johnson

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

President Donald Trump

The president of the United States who has threatened to bomb bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure in Iran if they don't open the Strait of Hormuz.

Senator Chuck Schumer

The Senate's top Democrat who has called President Trump an "extremely sick person" for threatening that a "whole civilization will die tonight."

Representative 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."

Representative Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic representative from Washington who called Trump's threat "outrageous, dangerous, and unhinged."

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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.”

— Senator Ron Johnson

“Donald Trump is completely unhinged. His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response.”

— House Democratic Leaders

“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.”

— Representative Pramila Jayapal

What’s next

The House, currently on recess, is not scheduled to have votes until Tuesday, April 14. Democratic leaders are calling for the House to return to Washington to "immediately" debate the war in Iran.

The takeaway

This growing divide between Trump and members of his own party over the Iran conflict highlights the political tensions surrounding the president's foreign policy decisions. As the war continues, there are increasing calls for Congress to intervene and rein in the president before the situation escalates further.