Trump defends Iran war after Vance blames it for Republican midterm losses
President Donald Trump defended military action against Iran as necessary, responding to Vice President JD Vance's claim that the war caused Republicans' losses in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump partially agreed, citing short-term gasoline price increases as a factor. Vance earlier blamed the Iran war and US-Israel relations for the defeat, saying many 2024 Trump voters shifted to Democrats. He posted four reasons on X: "End the war," "Focus on cost of living/inflation," "Put America First," and "Change our relationship to Israel," citing a pollster's analysis. Trump Jr. endorsed Vance's statement on X, writing "Every word of this" with emojis. The remarks came as results from the midterm elections were being reported, with the story still developing.