Iran war backfires on Donald Trump? US president acknowledges conflict hurt Republicans as Democrats win midterm elections

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the Iran war hurt Republicans in US midterm elections after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in a major setback for his administration.

Trump pointed to rising gasoline prices and the eight month conflict as reasons for voter frustration. The results will give Democrats more power to challenge his policies and investigate his administration when the new Congress begins on January 3, 2027.

Vice President JD Vance also blamed the war for the Republican losses in an online post, adding to the pressure on the administration following the election.

Donald Trump Faces a Tougher Fight in Congress

Trump said he was willing to work with Democrats but warned that their control of Congress could lead to gridlock & more presidential vetoes. As his administration will now face a more difficult path in advancing its legislative agenda. Trump said, “I don’t want to be just sitting there for two years vetoing everything,” as quoted by Politico.

He also said he would not replae Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying that he was “doing a great job,” as quoted by AP.

Democrats Focus on Healthcare and Affordability

Democratic leaders have promised to make affordability and healthcare priorities while increasing scrutiny of the administration.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called the results a “stunning rebuke of MAGA extremism.” If elected speaker, he would become the first Black person to hold the position.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was more cautious about what the victory meant for his party. He said, “Many of the folks who voted for us yesterday are still skeptical, and that’s OK,” adding that the history-making scale of his party’s wins, picking up long-shot Senate seats in South Carolina, Texas and Kansas, creates “the opportunity to prove ourselves worthy of their trust,” as quoted by AP.

Democrats have also pledged to reverse Republican cuts to Affordable Care Act & Medicaid.

An AP Voter Poll found that about seven in 10 voters believed Congress was not doing enough to check presidential power. So Democrats have to use their new position in Congress to increase oversight of the administration.

Republicans Face Leadership Questions

The election has also raised questions about who will lead Republicans in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly doesn't plan to seek another term as the party's leader, according to two people familiar with the matter cited by the Associated Press.

Republicans may still try to confirm judicial nominees before the new Congress takes office. While another government shutdown could also be on the horizon next month if lawmakers fail to pass a funding bill.

The Senate races brought several historic firsts. Juliana Stratton's victory in Illinois means three Black women will serve in the Senate at the same time. Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman elected to the chamber, Chris Pappas became its first openly gay male senator, and Abdul El-Sayed became first Muslim senator.