WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump engaged in a tense exchange with Republican senators during a closed-door lunch on Capitol Hill this week, exposing divisions within the Republican Party over foreign policy and legislative priorities as lawmakers work to advance key elements of the administration’s agenda.

According to multiple lawmakers familiar with the meeting, the discussion became heated as senators questioned aspects of the administration’s approach to Iran and debated Congress’ role in authorizing military action. Several participants described the conversation as unusually confrontational, with raised voices and disagreements over policy matters that have increasingly divided members of the Republican conference.

The meeting took place shortly after Senate lawmakers considered measures related to U.S. involvement in the Middle East, an issue that has drawn bipartisan debate in Congress. Some senators have argued that lawmakers should play a greater role in decisions involving military engagement, while administration officials have maintained that the president must retain flexibility in responding to international developments and national security concerns.

Participants said Trump expressed frustration with Republican lawmakers whom he believed were not fully supporting his administration’s foreign policy objectives. Senators attending the lunch reportedly challenged some of the administration’s positions and sought clarification on its strategy regarding Iran and broader regional security issues.

While details of the private meeting were not publicly released, lawmakers who spoke afterward acknowledged disagreements but emphasized that discussions remained focused on policy matters affecting the country.

The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as lawmakers attempt to balance support for the president’s agenda with their own legislative priorities and constitutional responsibilities. Differences over foreign policy have become increasingly visible in recent months, particularly regarding congressional oversight of military operations and executive authority in international affairs.

In addition to foreign policy, senators and the president discussed several domestic issues, including housing, government spending and legislative priorities ahead of upcoming congressional sessions.

A recently passed bipartisan housing measure was among the topics raised during the lunch. The legislation, which received support from members of both parties, seeks to address housing affordability challenges through a combination of regulatory reforms and housing development initiatives. While many lawmakers have described housing affordability as a growing concern for American families, differences remain regarding the scope of federal involvement and funding mechanisms included in various proposals.

Some Republican lawmakers have pushed for market-based reforms designed to increase housing supply and reduce construction costs, while others have advocated for targeted federal programs to assist low- and middle-income households. The debate reflects broader disagreements within Congress over how best to address rising housing costs in communities across the country.

Lawmakers familiar with the Capitol Hill meeting said these domestic policy discussions added to an already tense atmosphere as senators and administration officials debated competing priorities.

Despite reports of sharp exchanges, several Republican senators later sought to downplay the significance of the confrontation, describing it as a candid policy discussion rather than a breakdown in relations. Congressional leaders often hold private meetings where lawmakers and administration officials can openly discuss disagreements away from public scrutiny.

Political observers note that internal debates are not uncommon within either major political party, particularly during periods when Congress is considering major legislative proposals or responding to international developments. Closed-door meetings frequently provide opportunities for lawmakers to voice concerns and seek clarification from executive branch officials.

The latest disagreement comes at a time when Republican leaders are working to maintain party unity on a range of issues, including government spending, border security, economic policy and foreign affairs. While Republicans generally remain aligned on many key policy goals, divisions have occasionally emerged over strategy and the balance of power between Congress and the White House.

Analysts say debates over executive authority and congressional oversight are likely to continue as lawmakers confront evolving foreign policy challenges. Similar disputes have occurred under administrations of both parties, with members of Congress seeking a greater role in decisions involving military action and international agreements.

Neither the White House nor Senate Republican leadership released a detailed account of the lunch meeting. However, lawmakers who attended indicated that discussions covered a broad range of policy issues and reflected the challenges of governing during a period of heightened political polarization.

Although the meeting revealed disagreements among Republicans, party leaders indicated they remain focused on advancing legislative priorities and preparing for upcoming policy debates in Congress. Whether the tensions displayed during the private gathering have lasting political consequences remains unclear.

For now, the Capitol Hill lunch serves as another example of the policy disagreements that continue to shape discussions within the Republican Party as lawmakers and the White House navigate complex domestic and international challenges.