Trump Blames Midterms Defeat on Absence from Ballot and Iran Conflict

US President Donald Trump attributed the Republican midterms defeat—which saw Democrats capture both the Senate and the House of Representatives—to his absence from the ballot and the impact of the conflict with Iran. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Trump stated that part of the results stemmed from Iran and its consequences for fuel prices. He also published an image of a red hat bearing the word 'veto', warning that if Democrats take crazy actions, he will use his veto power.

Reflecting on the election outcome, Trump defended his foreign policy decisions, maintaining that confronting Iran was necessary despite the political fallout. While acknowledging that surging fuel prices—rather than the military engagement itself—proved highly damaging to Republican prospects, he insisted he did not regret the course of action and would do it again. Earlier, in a phone interview with CBS, Trump extended congratulations to the Democrats on their sweeping victory, known as a blue wave, and expressed a willingness to work together for the country's good.

The Democratic majority in both chambers of Congress significantly curbs Trump's legislative agenda for the remainder of his term, transforming him into a lame duck. Trump noted that he does not plan to reshuffle his cabinet and emphasized that Republican candidates suffered largely because he was not running personally. Despite intensive campaigning in conservative strongholds during the final weeks, high inflation and soaring fuel costs weighed heavily on voters, eroding support despite administration assertions that the economic situation remains sound.