US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the war against Iran was a key factor behind his Republican Party’s sweeping losses in the November 3 midterm elections, after Vice President J.D. Vance urged Republicans to be honest about the conflict’s impact.
Vance had earlier said the Iran war was the reason Republicans lost the midterm elections, as he sought to distance himself from the unpopular conflict ahead of a possible presidential bid in 2028.
Democrats take control of Congress
Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in a sweeping midterm victory on Tuesday, delivering a major setback to Trump and his Republican Party.
The results handed Democrats the power to block Trump’s legislative agenda and investigate alleged corruption during the final two years of his presidency.
The election outcome reflected widespread dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living, tariffs and Trump’s war against Iran, which has driven fuel prices higher and added to public discontent with his presidency.
Trump promises to work with Democrats
Despite his history of questioning election results, Trump struck a conciliatory tone following the defeat.
In an interview with The New York Times, he said he was willing to accept the results and pledged to work with Democrats.
“I am absolutely willing to accept those results,” Trump said, while promising to “work with the Democrats”.
