Trump today acknowledged that the war with Iran was one of the factors contributing to the Republican Party’s midterm election losses, but stated he would still launch the conflict again if given the chance.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he said: “The Iran conflict was part of it. I don’t regret it. I did what was right, and I’d do it again.” He attributed the party’s poor performance to rising oil prices and emphasized that the central issue was his own absence from the ballot. “The biggest problem is that I wasn’t running,” he said.
Commentary: Trump concedes that the war hurt electoral prospects and contributed to higher oil prices, yet refuses to acknowledge any policy failure. His assertion that he would repeat the decision underscores an effort to maintain support among hardline factions. At the same time, by placing primary blame on his own non-participation—thereby shifting responsibility to other Republican candidates’ lack of appeal—he attempts to deflect criticism. The midterm defeat effectively ushers in a typical “lame duck” phase for Trump’s remaining two years in office, though not entirely powerless. Legislative initiatives and major new projects are unlikely to advance, as Democrats control both chambers, enabling them to block budgets, hold hearings, investigate the White House, and constrain efforts to expand military action against Iran. Personnel nominations will also face significant hurdles in the Senate. Nevertheless, the president retains core executive powers—including veto authority, executive orders, military command, and tariff-setting discretion. As long as Democrats fail to secure a two-thirds majority, they cannot override his vetoes, and in emergency situations, he retains the ability to unilaterally authorize strikes or adjust tariffs.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880942584644618/
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