Ex-Trump strategist explains why Republicans have finally found their backbones

On Wednesday, four House Republican members voted with Democrats to block Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran.

“It’s very powerful,” said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). “We’re inching closer to having both chambers of Congress declare this an illegal war. That’s huge. It’s just becoming more and more untenable, what he has done.”

On a CNN panel Thursday morning, Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-Calf.), who recently switched from Republican to Independent as a result of redistricting in the state, said he wanted something "that has real teeth." He did not vote for the resolution, and instead suggested a focus on the budget process, which would pull funding away from Iran.

The panel discussed Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is retiring at the end of the year. He's clashed with President Donald Trump several times over the years and was among the first in the so-called "You Only Live Once (YOLO) Caucus." Some of these members have been ousted in primaries, while others are retiring. But all of them are willing to fight against Trump now that they are no longer running for reelection.

The so-called YOLO Caucus is likely to oppose Trump nominee Bill Pulte, who was announced as the new Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte has no defense or intelligence experienced, which is required by law.

Kiley echoed statements from Tillis, saying, "There is a need to, sort of, have a paradigm of competence and experience and effectiveness when it comes to these top positions. And when you see a nomination like that, a lot of people think that's not what's happening."

Former Trump White House communications director Mike Dubke said there's currently no pushback in the White House when one of Trump's wild ideas is proposed.

"There should be some individuals [who] stand up and say, let's think about that. Let's look at the broader picture here than just making one nomination, because things do affect each other," Dubke said.

He went on to explain that there is growing opposition to Trump now because Republicans feel they are protected from his wrath.

"What we've seen, we're moving now on the election calendar. We're five months out from the midterms. Filing deadlines are over. Most primaries are over. The strength that the president had for long-term gain by nominating and praising several of these of these individuals [is] causing short-term pain right now and will for the next five months," said Dubke.

Former Biden White House director of messaging and planning Meghan Hays called it "gross."

"I mean, it's wildly incompetent. These people are so incompetent. But I don't understand why we are now a year and a half into the administration, and Congress is just starting to be like, four people are like, 'we're going to vote against the War Powers Act. We're just finding our backbone.''"

Dubke reiterated his point, "Filing deadlines are over, the primaries are over."

"Also, gross, ok," said Hays. "You work for the people not the party."

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