Trump Skirts War Powers Act with Ceasefire Claim

Trump Cites Ceasefire to Bypass War Powers Act President Donald Trump informed the U.S. Congress on Friday that hostilities with Iran have "terminated" due to an ongoing ceasefire, asserting this negates the requirement for congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution.

This declaration, made on the 60th day since he formally notified Congress of military action against Iran, contends that the ceasefire, in effect since April 7, 2026, pauses the 60-day clock for legislative authorization. The War Powers Resolution mandates presidential notification of military action and requires congressional approval within 60 days, or cessation of hostilities.

The administration's interpretation suggests that the absence of direct exchange of fire between U.S. forces and Iran since April 7, 2026, signifies a termination of hostilities that began on February 28, 2026.

This position faces scrutiny from legal experts and some members of Congress, who argue that a ceasefire does not equate to a permanent end to conflict and therefore does not halt the statutory timeline for congressional authorization. The 1973 War Powers Resolution was enacted to limit presidential authority in deploying U.S.

armed forces without congressional consent.

Concurrently, Iran has reportedly sent a proposal for negotiations with the U.S. via Pakistani intermediaries.

President Trump acknowledged awareness of a "concept of the deal" and indicated he would review the specifics. Despite the ceasefire, the U.S.

Treasury has issued warnings regarding sanctions violations for entities paying tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel that remains effectively closed. Congressional efforts to compel a vote on war authorization have largely failed, with most Republicans opposing Democratic initiatives.