While President Donald Trump stated Friday that the war powers resolution is “totally unconstitutional,” his administration appears to be making an effort to comply with Congress, according to a letter obtained by CNN.
In the Friday letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, Trump argues that the Iran war “hostilities,” which began with US strikes on February 28, “have terminated,” after a ceasefire was declared — an argument that aligns with prior CNN reporting.
“On April 7, 2026, I ordered a 2-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” the letter states.
Read the Trump administration’s letter to Congress
It notifies Johnson and Grassley of changes to the United States’ posture in Iran, as part of his “efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.”
At the same time, Trump writes that the threat from the Iran regime “remains significant” and the Defense Department will continue to “update its force posture” to address it “as necessary and appropriate.”
The law states Trump would need to “terminate any use of the United States Armed Forces” or seek congressional authorization after the Iran conflict’s 60-day mark. For some, Friday marked 60 days, but others argue that since the ceasefire paused military action, the days after it was declared don’t count toward the 60 days.
Read here for more context on the war powers resolution.
