Trump says Iran war impacted Republican midterm election losses
The US President defended the military campaign against Tehran despite acknowledging that rising fuel prices affected voters.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the war with Iran played a role in the Republican Party's poor performance in the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking to reporters at a White House ballroom construction site, Trump said the conflict likely drove up gasoline prices in the short term, contributing to voter dissatisfaction.
Trump defended the military action, stating that the United States had to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He maintained that he would take the same course of action again because, in the long term, it was the only answer. He noted that while oil supplies had increased following initial disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the price impact was a primary factor.
The President also suggested that his personal popularity did not translate into votes for other Republican candidates. He claimed that while his rallies drew thousands of people, that enthusiasm failed to carry over to the candidates on the ballot. He stated, "If I were on the ballot, we would have won."
Vice President JD Vance had previously attributed the electoral defeat to the Iran conflict. According to reports from The Times of India and The New Indian Express, Vance argued that the war was the reason for the loss, citing voter concerns regarding the cost of living and inflation.
As Democrats prepared to take control of Congress, Trump indicated he would work with them but warned he would veto legislation he opposed. He also dismissed the possibility of impeachment proceedings, claiming such an effort would destroy the Democratic Party.
