Trump Defends Iran War After Voters Give Democrats Control of Congress
Vice President JD Vance, a 2028 presidential contender, blamed the war in Iran for Republicans’ midterm wipeout
By : AP
Update: 2026-11-05 01:12 GMT
The midterm election blowout has set up a new era in Washington, with Democrats eager to meet voter demands for change while Republicans watched their congressional majorities evaporate in a revolt against President Donald Trump’s policies. Democrats triumphed in several surprise upsets, marking a decisive rejection of unified GOP control of the House and Senate.
Trump acknowledged the Iran war affected the midterms, suggesting voters were frustrated by surging gas prices that have been a byproduct of the more than 8-month-old conflict. “The Iran thing we had to do, and we continue to do it,” Trump told reporters. He struck a conciliatory tone earlier, suggesting he could work with the Democrats, only to later threaten to use his veto power to strike down their agenda.
The fallout for Republicans is only beginning. Vice President JD Vance, a 2028 presidential contender, blamed the war in Iran for Republicans’ midterm wipeout. And Mike Johnson of Louisiana will not seek reelection as House speaker , according to two people familiar with the matter.
Democrats, meanwhile, are ready to launch a 100-day agenda to lower the costs of gas, groceries and healthcare and conduct vast oversight and investigations into Trump and his administration , with impeachment an option.