developing· Politics· Updated 06:16

Trump Blames Israel Dislike, Iran War for GOP Midterm Losses

In an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes" program, US President Donald Trump attributed the Republican Party's losses in the midterm elections to voter dissatisfaction with the war with Iran, rising gasoline prices, and a growing dislike of Israel.

3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 02:55

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What happened

01US President Donald Trump cited a growing dislike of Israel, the war with Iran, and rising gas prices as key reasons for Republican midterm election losses.
02Trump agreed with Vice President JD Vance's assessment that blamed the Iran war for the electoral defeat and called for a shift in relations with Israel.
03The president defended his decision to strike Iran, stating he would do it again to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
04Trump asserted that US military actions against Iran saved Israel from destruction.
05He declared that nations protected by the United States, including Israel, must pay for US military costs.
06Trump claimed the US was close to reaching a deal with Iran before the midterm elections.
07The president commented on Israeli politics, noting similarities between Gadi Eisenkot and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump stated that while his personal popularity remained strong, Republican candidates failed to convert his support into votes, suggesting the outcome would have been different had he been on the ballot. He agreed with an assessment by Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the Iran war for the midterm defeat and called for a shift in relations with Israel. Trump revealed that Vance had consulted him before publishing his remarks, to which Trump replied, "Write what you want."

Despite the political cost, Trump defended his decision to strike Iran, asserting that US military actions prevented Israel's destruction and were essential to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated he would make the same decision again, though he added that he is not looking for further escalation. Additionally, Trump asserted that nations protected by the US, including Israel, must pay for US military costs, and he noted similarities between Israeli politicians Gadi Eisenkot and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 07:11

Latest report: The Jerusalem Post. Read The Jerusalem Post’s original