In a meeting on Wednesday that took a heated turn, President Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana engaged in a vocal dispute during a lunch gathering, focusing on the controversial subject of the United States’ military engagement with Iran. This revelation comes from a lawmaker present during the exchange.
Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, speaking to reporters in a tone tinged with irony, labeled the altercation as “very pleasant” before diving into the details of the clash between Trump and Cassidy.
Marshall, who transitioned from a career as an OB/GYN into politics, likened the meeting to a hospital boardroom filled with doctors in heated debate, noting, “Voices were raised. … I think the vote yesterday on the War Powers Act, the president’s very disappointed.” Despite the tension, he expressed confidence that a mutual understanding would eventually surface.
The Republican from Kansas further explained that the administration felt let down by their fellow Republicans, viewing the recent vote as a detriment to their diplomatic efforts, describing it as having “chopped their legs out from under them.”
Marshall also pointed out that Congress’s objections to U.S. actions in Iran were perceived as potentially damaging to the administration’s negotiation strategies, casting doubt on their ability to effectively manage international relations during this fraught period.
Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff was part of the gathering on Capitol Hill.