Vance blames Iran war for midterm losses as Trump replaces chief of staff

Vice President JD Vance blamed the ongoing war in Iran for the Republican Party's midterm election losses, which resulted in the party losing control of Congress. His public statement marked a significant shift in his campaign strategy and highlighted a growing policy divergence from President Donald Trump. Vance pivoted his midterm approach to focus on economic nationalism, foreign policy restraint, and public safety rather than emphasizing Trump or controversial policies like deportations. He called for a swift end to the Iran conflict, economic affordability, and reformed US-Israel relations, while Trump defended the military intervention and dismissed affordability concerns as a Democratic hoax. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was reportedly aware of Vance's statement beforehand, though it could not be confirmed whether Trump was informed. Trump subsequently replaced Wiles with Stephen Miller in a senior team restructuring, signaling a hardline stance despite aides claiming Vance was not breaking with the administration.