NEW YORK (AP) — The upcoming midterm elections don’t appear to be going the way Republicans hoped.
About a year and a half after Donald Trump took office, he now leads the country as a “wartime president.” Rising energy prices and ongoing international conflicts are pushing many in his party to question his approach. In a recent address, Trump suggested the war was winding down while also indicating it was escalating.
“Thanks to our progress, I can say we are close to achieving our military objectives,” he claimed. “We’ll hit them hard in the next few weeks.”
With key elections around the corner, Republicans are anxious. “We’re looking at a challenging November,” said veteran pollster Neil Newhouse. “Our advantage is slipping away.”
The political environment has changed dramatically. Just a year ago, many Republicans thought they could maintain their House majority and even hold the Senate. Now, they’re privately admitting that the House is likely lost, and Democrats have a genuine chance at the Senate.
Complicating matters, Republicans struggle to present a unified message on the war. The Republican National Committee has mostly avoided the topic in recent communications. Many vulnerable candidates are reluctant to address the issue openly.
Despite the turmoil, Trump maintains a strong base of support among party members. For instance, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham praised Trump’s recent speech, calling it clear and promising.
Five weeks into the conflict, the situation has taken a toll. At least 13 American service members have died, and hundreds are injured. Thousands of troops have been deployed, and the Pentagon has requested an additional $200 billion in funding. Crucially, the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil transport, remains closed. Current gas prices hover around $4.08 per gallon—almost a dollar higher than when President Biden left office.
Trump asserted that gas prices would drop once the war ends but didn’t offer a plan to reopen the Strait. He framed the conflict as a vital investment in the nation’s future. “This is about making America safer and stronger for generations to come,” Trump stated.
However, some former allies, like Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressed disappointment with his stance, accusing him of not prioritizing American needs. “All I heard was WAR, WAR, WAR,” she wrote.
Polling reflects public skepticism. According to an AP-NORC survey, about 60% of adults believe U.S. military action in Iran has “gone too far.” Opposition to ground troops in Iran is substantial, with 60% against it, including about half of Republicans.
Trump’s approval ratings have remained low, with only about 40% of Americans approving of his presidency. Republican strategist Ari Fleischer pointed out that, unlike George W. Bush, who gained popularity during the Iraq War, Trump hasn’t seen a similar boost. Fleischer attributed Bush’s success to his efforts to gain public support before the invasion.
As history shows, prolonged conflicts can sour public opinion. Fleischer expressed hope that Trump could achieve a quick victory, which might boost his political fortunes. “He’ll be judged on results,” Fleischer noted.
For more on the polling data, you can check the AP-NORC survey.
The political landscape is evolving, and it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out in the upcoming elections.
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Donald Trump, Ari Fleischer, Iran war, George W. Bush, Lindsey Graham, U.S. Republican Party, Military and defense, Midterm elections, General news, 2026 Elections, Washington news, Joe Biden, Iran, Elections, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Politics, Oil and gas industry, Neil Newhouse, U.S. news, U.S. News
