Remembering Donald Trump: Saudi Arabia

The House of Representatives took further action last week in its ongoing conflict with the White House by voting to block a major arms deal and ending American involvement in the war in Yemen. This marks the latest move in a months-long effort to restrain presidential war-making powers and reform defense policy. In May, the Trump administration issued an emergency declaration to push through an $8.1 billion arms deal to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan without congressional approval. Proponents of the deal argue that a fresh supply of weapons is necessary to counter mounting Iranian aggression that threatens to destabilize the region and jeopardize U.S. security interests.

However, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers criticized the civilian deaths caused by Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen, prompting anger and opposition. The Senate also voted to block the sale in June. President Trump, however, has vowed to veto the measure when it arrives on his desk. This multi-billion-dollar arms deal has become embroiled in a number of headline-dominating issues and generated controversy.