Trump Agrees with Vance on Midterm Loss, Blames Inflation, Would Strike Iran Again

President Donald Trump publicly agreed with Vice President JD Vance's analysis of the Republican midterm defeat, but cited high prices as the primary cause rather than the Iran war. Trump made his first public appearance since the party's heavy electoral loss. Trump stated he "largely" agreed with Vance that the Iran conflict contributed to the loss, but insisted inflation was the main factor. He said he would immediately order the Iran strike again to prevent nuclear weapons, and rejected the idea the midterms were a vote of no confidence in him. Vance had earlier issued a 620-word statement blaming the war for the defeat, citing voter anger over the conflict, living costs, and relations with Israel. Trump's appearance focused on praising his White House construction projects, including a new ballroom and planned triumphal arch.