Trump Admits Iran War and Gas Prices Hurt Midterm Performance Before Blaming Media
Donald Trump acknowledges rising gas prices and the Iran war impacted GOP midterm losses, then pivots to criticize press for negative coverage of the economy.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Donald Trump showed a rare moment of introspection regarding the Republican Party’s significant losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections before pivoting to blame the media for unfavorable news coverage.
While the president has frequently claimed the GOP suffered primarily because he did not appear on the ballot—despite urging his base to cast votes as if he were present—he appeared to acknowledge some of his own role in the eight-month conflict with Iran.
During a Sunday night interview on 60 Minutes, correspondent Ross Douthat asked Trump for a political analysis of why the party faced a “historic defeat” compared to their major victory two years prior.
Trump responded that voters were dissatisfied with the war and the subsequent rise in fuel costs, noting that he had previously kept prices low. He also cited a significant public dislike for Israel as another factor.
The conflict in Iran proved unpopular with voters as energy costs climbed; according to the AAA Motor Club, the national average for a gallon of gasoline remained above four dollars on Sunday, a one-dollar increase from the previous year.
However, when pressed on the broader negative perception of the economy linked to the war, Trump shifted his focus to the press, accusing journalists of providing poor coverage.
The president has a long history of hostility toward traditional journalism, often attacking reporters for asking difficult questions. He told interviewer that the media does not provide him with the coverage he deserves.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
