Trump hands GOP 'political mess' – and some Republicans nearing 'breaking point': report

President Donald Trump’s shifting messaging around the U.S. war against Iran has grown increasingly “difficult” to understand, Punchbowl News reported Monday in its morning newsletter, and to such a degree that it’s pushed some Republicans near a “breaking point.”

“Tracking and understanding Trump right now is very difficult, especially on the Iran war,” Punchbowl News’ report reads. “It’s like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall. He’s all over the place on every issue – domestic policy, international affairs and Iran specifically – presenting Republicans with a political mess.”

Trump has frequently issued contradictory statements as it relates to his administration’s war against Iran. He amended his deadline for Iran to allow passage for U.S.-aligned vessels through the Strait of Hormuz – a critical shipping channel through which 20% of the world’s oil trade flows – several times, citing peace talks with Iran that Iranian officials have repeatedly denied are taking place.

He’s also floated several plans to bring about an end to the war he initiated with Operation Epic Fury, including one that would involve a ground invasion of Iran’s Kharg Island, which experts have said would be a logistical nightmare and lead to “considerable” U.S. casualties.

“We’re beginning to see tension and even perhaps a breaking point with some Republicans,” Punchbowl News’ report reads. “It’s worth remembering that many Republicans have said from the start that they hope the Iran operations are a short-term commitment.”

Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), for example, said recently that he would not support the White House’s request for an additional $200 billion in war spending without a “formal declaration of war from Congress,” a $200 billion ask in addition to Trump’s $1.5 trillion request for defense spending, a staggering 42% increase when compared with last year, the largest surge since the Korean War.

“I stand by the President’s actions taken in defense of our national security interests in the Middle East. But we must be clear-eyed about history and the Constitution,” Curtis said Friday in a statement published on social media. “While I support maintaining our readiness and replenishing stockpiles, I cannot support funding for further military operations without a formal declaration of war from Congress.”