No regrets: Trump says Iran war justified despite polls drubbing | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Trump Attributes Midterm Setbacks to Gasoline Prices, Iran Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the influence of rising gasoline prices and the conflict with Iran on the Republican Party’s disappointing performance in the recent midterm elections. However, he maintained that his actions were warranted and declined to accept personal responsibility for the electoral losses.
In a televised interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “We actually have the greatest economy, but because of the gasoline price, people don’t see it as much as they would have without it. And the gasoline was caused by Iran.” He suggested that while Americans generally support his stance on Iran, the immediate economic consequences—specifically higher gas prices—were detrimental to voter sentiment.
Trump further expressed confidence in his decisions regarding the Iran conflict, telling the Wall Street Journal, “I did the right thing. I would have done it again.”
Political analyst James Davis commented that the ongoing military engagement in Iran played a role in the Republican losses but emphasized that the party’s messaging was also a significant factor. “The war was definitely part of it and has helped shift the electorate toward Democrats. But the biggest issue was the clear articulation of a strategy that gives people confidence in that strategy,” Davis explained.
He also noted that the economic repercussions of the conflict, particularly the increase in energy and diesel prices, have raised affordability concerns across various sectors.
Candidates Held Accountable
Trump refrained from conceding any strategic shortcomings, instead attributing the electoral challenges to his absence on the ballot and the performance of individual candidates whom he had endorsed. “I wasn’t on the ticket,” he told The New York Times, explaining that his absence prevented a more robust voter mobilization effort.
The former president criticized several of his chosen candidates, stating, “Some of the candidates that I endorsed fought me,” and suggested that some were ultimately unsuitable for voter approval. He lamented the defeat of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom he referred to as a “Republican in name only,” though he did not provide further details on this characterization.
Defiant Stance Ahead
In a sign of his approach in the next congressional session, Trump posted an image on his social media platform, Truth Social, featuring his signature red cap with the word “veto,” signaling his intent to block legislation proposed by the now-Democratic-controlled Congress.
Leading up to the midterms, Trump had underscored a historical trend of sitting presidents facing losses, dismissing the notion that his policies alienated voters. He indicated that he had no intention of altering his cabinet in response to the election results, remarking, “It’s just a point in time. There was a mood in the air, I guess.”
While expressing a willingness to collaborate with Democrats in certain areas, Trump affirmed his commitment to standing firm on contentious issues. “I think we’ll work with the Democrats, and we’ll get along very well with them. If we don’t, we’ll be very tough on them,” he said. He specifically ruled out cooperation on issues concerning transgender rights, stating, “No, I don’t think so. But I could work with them on many things.”
