The Republican Congress attacked Obama as a dictator after his cruise missile strike in Yemen and his strike in Syria against ISIS (Trump's strike was against Assad and not ISIS or groups fighting Assad). They wanted Obama to get congressional approval like a declaration of war. But Obama could have gone ahead based on Assad's atrocities, but he pulled back at the last minute. (Forever angering Kerry and HIllary who were supporting air strikes to gain leverage with Assad and Russia). Trump's attack is a strategic gain for the US vs Assad, Russia, and Iran. Particularly good because it changes Trump's approach to Russia 180 degrees.