Democrats Push for Trump Accountability Amid Iran Ceasefire Deal

Congress seeks to impose constraints on president's use of force as tensions with Iran escalate.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:13am

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A cinematic painting of the U.S. Capitol building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows casting an air of solemnity and uncertainty over the iconic structure.As partisan tensions over Iran policy escalate, the Capitol building stands as a somber symbol of the political divisions straining America's democratic institutions.Deseret Today

Despite President Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, congressional Democrats are moving forward with efforts to hold the president accountable. Sen. Chris Murphy and other Democrats have raised concerns about Trump's 'unhinged' rhetoric and are pushing for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will force a vote on an Iran war powers resolution when Congress returns from recess, while Rep. Hakeem Jeffries called for a permanent end to Trump's 'reckless war of choice'.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict, with Democrats accusing Trump of reckless behavior and a disregard for congressional authority. The push for accountability and constraints on the president's use of force reflects the deep partisan divisions over foreign policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The details

Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, have strongly criticized Trump's rhetoric and actions towards Iran, with Murphy suggesting the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove the president from office. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will force a vote on an Iran war powers resolution when Congress returns from recess, while Rep. Cuellar, who previously voted against the resolution, now says he will support it. Republican Sen. John Curtis has also indicated he would not support military operations in Iran beyond the 60-day window without congressional approval.

  • On Tuesday, President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran.
  • Congress is currently on recess, but is expected to return next week.

The players

Chris Murphy

Democratic senator who has criticized Trump's rhetoric and actions towards Iran, and suggested the 25th Amendment should be used to remove the president from office.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader who said Democrats will force a vote on an Iran war powers resolution when Congress returns from recess.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Democratic Caucus Chair who called for a permanent end to Trump's 'reckless war of choice' with Iran.

Henry Cuellar

Democratic representative who previously voted against the Iran war powers resolution but now says he will support it.

John Curtis

Republican senator who has indicated he would not support military operations in Iran beyond the 60-day window without congressional approval.

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What they’re saying

“We just can't accept a president who is literally promising to destroy an entire civilization, to murder hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings. That alone should be grounds for the removal of this President.”

— Chris Murphy, Democratic senator

“Republicans will once again have the opportunity to join Democrats and end this reckless war of choice. The public must demand that Republicans join with us to approve a war powers act.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

“A two-week ceasefire is insufficient. We need a permanent end to Donald Trump's reckless war of choice, which is why House Democrats have demanded that Speaker Mike Johnson immediately reconvene the House back into session so we can move a War Powers Resolution that will end this conflict permanently.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Caucus Chair

“The war powers resolution is a reaffirmation of Congress' constitutional role and our shared responsibility to the American people.”

— Henry Cuellar, Democratic representative

“As I stated before, I prefer diplomacy if it leads to the right outcome regarding the Iranian terrorist regime. I appreciate the hard work of all involved in trying to find a diplomatic solution. At this early stage, I am extremely cautious regarding what is fact vs. fiction or misrepresentation.”

— Lindsey Graham, Republican senator

What’s next

Congress is expected to return from recess next week, at which point Senate Democrats will force a vote on an Iran war powers resolution. The House may also introduce a similar resolution, though its passage would face an uphill battle without Republican support.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have sparked a fierce partisan debate in Congress, with Democrats pushing for greater accountability and constraints on the president's use of force, while some Republicans have expressed cautious optimism about diplomatic efforts. The outcome of these congressional efforts will have significant implications for the future of U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.