Trump says 'largely true' Iran war led to Republican midterm loss

President Donald Trump acknowledged that the Iran war largely contributed to Republican midterm losses, while Vice President JD Vance directly blamed the conflict for the party's defeat in Tuesday's elections. Democrats gained control of Congress, with two Senate races still undecided in Mississippi and Alaska.

In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom led Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith by fewer than 1,200 votes with 96% of ballots counted.

In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola led Republican Dan Sullivan by just 637 votes with 75% counted. The race was complicated by another candidate named Dan Sullivan who secured 3,600 votes, potentially siphoning support from the Republican candidate. Peltola denied any knowledge of an alleged plot to confuse voters.

Trump admits war impact

Trump spoke at the construction site of the White House ballroom, where he was asked about Vance's post blaming the Iran war for midterm losses. "I think it's largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term," Trump said. "But at the same time, if I had to do it again, I'd have to do it again. Because long term, it's the only answer. You can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon."

Vance blames war directly

Vance, in a long post on X, directly attributed Republican losses to the Iran war. "The reason we lost is the war," he said. If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest.

The Iran war has cost US taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and caused fuel prices to spike, issues that proved significant liabilities for the Republican Party. Trump also ruled out firing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has guided efforts on the Iran war, saying "I think he's doing a very good job."

Global reactions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he believes Trump will continue to bypass Congress in his last two years by issuing executive orders. "Trump has, for the past two years, largely governed without consulting Congress. Why should things be any different now?" Merz said during an economic forum.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that Democratic gains would boost US support for Ukraine. I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine, Zelenskyy said in an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is unlikely to seek the position of House minority leader when Democrats take over in January, according to AP and Reuters reports. The results mean Democrats now control both chambers of Congress, giving them significant legislative power for the remainder of Trump's term.