Growing Concerns for Trump Ahead of Midterms? WP Reports He Recognizes Impact of Iran War on Election

As the electoral conditions for the Republican Party worsen ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, U.S. President Donald Trump is recognizing the seriousness of the current situation and taking active response measures, the Washington Post (WP) reported on the 19th local time.

Citing multiple sources, WP reported that President Trump indicated in private conversations with aides that he recognizes his decisions regarding the Iran war have affected the disadvantageous political situation currently facing the Republican Party.

This shows a difference in tone from the stance President Trump has stated publicly.

Through interviews and speeches, President Trump has maintained the position that the midterm election situation has not influenced his decision-making regarding Iran.

He has stated that the Iran war was worth the costs incurred, and that he would make the same decision again even amid concerns that Republicans could face disadvantages in the November midterms.

During a rally in North Carolina on the 16th, he even claimed regarding the high oil prices triggered by the Iran war that it was "a very cheap price compared to what we have achieved."

However, behind closed doors, he reportedly partially acknowledged that his decisions regarding the Iran war have impacted the Republican Party's midterm outlook.

Some aides conveyed that they have been delivering the electoral reality facing the Republican Party more bluntly to President Trump than before, and that President Trump is also listening closely to this.

These aides noted that while President Trump has often previously dismissed unfavorable polls as "fake," he is now gradually accepting internal polling results showing that support for himself and the Republican Party has weakened.

One source said, "President Trump clearly feels that some of his decisions have caused a drop in popularity and led to a bleak outlook for the midterms."

WP reported that this sense of crisis has prompted President Trump to become more actively involved in minimizing expected losses for the Republican Party in the midterms.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.