President Donald Trump told reporters at a White House ceremony on Thursday that the 2026 mid‑term defeats of Republican candidates were largely a result of the Iran war, pointing to a sharp rise in fuel prices as a key driver of voter anger.
Vice President J.D. Vance had earlier posted on X that the conflict was the main reason for the GOP’s loss, arguing that voters who once backed Trump had shifted to Democrats because of the war’s impact on the economy.
Trump cited the resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz after early disruptions, noting that higher crude prices had surged across the market. He said that while the war was necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, the short‑term price spike hurt the party’s standing among voters.
When asked about future actions, Trump said he would repeat the military campaign if faced with a similar threat. He also warned Democrats that he would veto any legislation he opposed and rejected calls for impeachment, claiming it would harm their party’s chances.
With Democrats holding a slim majority after the mid‑terms, Trump is expected to meet with Senate leaders next week to discuss budget priorities and his veto strategy for the new Congress.