President Donald Trump attributed the Democratic Party's sweeping victories in the midterm elections to rising gasoline prices caused by the Iran war. In a phone call with Fox News, Trump acknowledged that while voters supported his actions in Iran, they were unwilling to bear the short-term financial burden of higher fuel costs. 'I don't think it's the war, I think it's the gas prices,' Trump said, adding that he understood the public's reluctance but believed the long-term benefits would outweigh the temporary costs.
The conflict in the Middle East, which began with airstrikes by the US and Israel in February, has disrupted oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a global surge in energy prices. Regular gas prices in the US are now about 36% higher on average, or roughly $1 more per gallon, compared to a year ago, according to AAA's Fuel Price Tracker. Some states, like Michigan, have seen even steeper increases, with gas prices jumping 52% compared to last year. Diesel prices have risen about 70% on average, reaching record highs this fall in all but three states.
The White House has expressed optimism that oil prices will drop significantly once the war ends, although hostilities have continued on a limited scale despite repeated ceasefire attempts. Recent reports indicate that the US has carried out small-scale strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Wall Street Journal being the first to report on these attacks.
Trump congratulated the Democratic congressional leaders and accepted the results, which handed Democrats the majority in both the House and Senate. He expressed sympathy for the Republican candidates who lost, framing the outcome as a defeat for them rather than for himself, noting that he was not on the ballot.