On Tuesday, Donald Trump responded to a question about whether Iran was using the threat of the Strait of Hormuz to influence the upcoming midterm elections with a tone of indifference. "Probably," he said. I’m just going to do the right thing." The remark came as Republicans in the House and Senate faced rising concerns over a war that has sparked public backlash and economic strain. Many lawmakers in key districts are now worried about how these issues could affect their chances of keeping their seats.
Recent polling data reveals the war is unpopular. According to a Washington Post-Ipsos survey, just 28% of Americans believe the conflict in Iran is worth pursuing, while 68% say it is not. These figures highlight a clear disconnect between the administration’s actions and public sentiment.
Perceptions of U.S. global leadership are also declining. The same Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 29% of Americans believe the country’s position in the world has improved under Trump, but 52% say it has worsened. Economic worries are growing too, especially with gas prices now above $4 per gallon — a significant jump from around $3 when Trump took office. These financial pressures are adding to the public's frustration.
Even among Trump’s most ardent supporters, dissatisfaction is rising. A Politico survey found that 37% of MAGA voters believe the war should continue only if it doesn’t lead to higher costs. Another 57% of these supporters directly connect the conflict to the increase in gas prices. These findings suggest a shift in sentiment, even among the president’s base.
Republicans and the Cost of War
The financial burden of the war is piling up. During a tense Senate hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion, and he asked Congress for an additional $88 billion in funding. With no clear path forward, reports of increasing casualties and injuries among service members have only added to the growing unease among Republican lawmakers, especially those in vulnerable districts.
Fox News, which has traditionally been a strong Trump ally, has recently sounded alarms. Laura Ingraham, a prominent Trump supporter, warned on her show: "The clock is ticking for President Trump to get out of this war before voters head to the polls. It’s already, as we know, unpopular." Her comments reflect the growing fear that the war could become a major distraction for Republicans and hurt their chances of keeping control of the House in November.
Trump's Calculus and Personal Safety Net
Trump, however, appears to care little about the political fallout. As a president in his second term and ineligible for re-election in 2024, he has less to lose. While a Democratic-majority House could potentially move to impeach him a third time, the Republican-led Senate is unlikely to support a conviction. No matter how Trump leaves office, his finances offer a cushion. Last year, his personal income was reported to be $2.2 billion, giving him a safety net even as political tensions rise.
For Trump and his allies, the situation remains complicated. While the war could hurt GOP candidates, it remains to be seen whether it will hurt Trump directly. For now, the conflict continues, midterms loom, and public opinion continues to trend away from the president’s actions.