President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the U.S. military campaign in Iran, dismissing concerns that the conflict could influence the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump stated, "They won’t have any impact on me. I’m just going to do the right thing."
The U.S. has been engaged in military action against Iran for nearly five months, following strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month. Despite the prolonged conflict, Trump insisted that the objective—preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon—has been achieved. "The goal of the war has been accomplished," he said, citing ongoing strikes as part of the strategy.
However, public and political support for the war appears to be waning. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that only 28% of Americans believe the conflict is worth fighting, while 68% oppose it. Similarly, a Politico poll revealed that 57% of self-identified MAGA voters blame the war for rising gas prices, a key economic concern heading into the midterms.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has urged Trump to seek a resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need to work with international partners. "We’ve got to wrap it up," Johnson said, acknowledging the economic strain caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Trump has rejected calls for a quick end to the war, stating that Iran must demonstrate a willingness to negotiate meaningfully before any talks can occur.
The White House faces internal frustration over the war’s political viability, with one senior official describing the situation as "politically impossible." The administration has conducted 11 consecutive nights of strikes against Iran, but the military campaign remains deeply unpopular among the broader public, with disapproval outweighing approval by roughly two to one.
As the midterms approach, Republican strategists are increasingly concerned about the war’s impact on voter sentiment, particularly among independents who have aligned with Democrats in opposing the strikes. Rising gas prices, linked to the conflict, could further erode support for GOP candidates in swing districts.