The administration acknowledged that the armed campaign in the Middle East created immediate economic pressure on voters, leading directly to sweeping congressional losses. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the president insisted he would execute the same military strategy again to prevent Tehran's nuclear proliferation. He also addressed speculation regarding the Pentagon, confirming that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth would not be dismissed over the campaign's political fallout.
Key points
The administration maintains that military intervention was the only viable method to hal…: The administration maintains that military intervention was the only viable method to halt Iran's nuclear program.
Economic consequences from the war, particularly elevated fuel costs, heavily swayed the…: Economic consequences from the war, particularly elevated fuel costs, heavily swayed the midterm electorate.
Leadership at the Pentagon remains stable as the president continues to back the defense…: Leadership at the Pentagon remains stable as the president continues to back the defense secretary.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
This is an entry from: Live: ‘It will crush us’: Israeli leaders in panic mode over fallout from US elections
Trump admits Iran war caused election losses but ‘we had to do it’
4 November 2026 18:53 GMT
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the Iran war was responsible for his Republican Party's resounding midterm election defeat.
Asked whether he agreed with Vice President JD Vance earlier remarks that the Iran war was "the reason we lost", Trump told reporters outside the White House ballroom construction site that his comments were "largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term".
"But at the same time, if I had it to do 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," he added.
He also ruled out firing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying "he's doing a very good job," despite his role in pushing for military action against Tehran.
Massachusetts voters chose to protect the state's recreational marijuana industry by voting against a proposed ballot initiative. The outcome delivers a major victory for cannabis consumers and commercial workers whose livelihoods relied on defeating the measure. This decisive defense ensures the established legal cannabis market will remain intact across the state.
Israeli opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot framed his potential premiership around renewing diplomatic cooperation and preserving bipartisan foundations with Washington. He underscored that partnering directly with President Donald Trump would serve to stabilize the broader Middle East. These commitments highlight his strategic vision to advance shared security interests and foster regional prosperity.
Following midterm elections that saw Democrats capture control of Congress, the administration faced intense political fallout driven by surging domestic gasoline prices tied to overseas military operations. While standing firmly behind the strikes as vital to stopping Tehran's nuclear program, leadership conceded that the conflict severely damaged their party's standing with voters.