The Iran war was supposed to be short, but its prolongation and the rise in gasoline prices were recognized as one of the main factors in the Republicans' defeat in the midterm elections on November 3.
Economic Consequences of the Iran War
In mid-February, one of Donald Trump's economic advisors came to the President's office with charts and reported good news about rising household incomes and growth in retirement accounts. Trump was pleased with these statistics and continued his work with hopes of controlling Congress. However, a few days later, the decision that, according to the Wall Street Journal, changed the course of his presidency was the start of the war with Iran.
Read more: The Impact of Military Aggression Against Iran on Domestic Political Developments in the U.S.
The war, which analysts say cost American taxpayers over $47 billion and resulted in the deaths of more than 20 American soldiers. The consequences of this war were not limited to military expenses. Gasoline prices significantly increased by 40%, and transportation and essential goods costs also rose accordingly.
Trump's Political and Economic Mistakes
Trump's advisors had warned in the spring that the continuation of the war could harm the Republicans, but the President ignored these warnings, believing that the military operation would soon come to an end. In March, senior government officials told oil company executives that the war would end by April, but April passed and the war continued.
Internal Republican polls showed that by August, the Republican Party had lost its advantage on economic issues, and voters held Trump more responsible for inflation than the Democrats. Newt Gingrich and Sean Hannity were among those who urged the President to speak more about the cost of living.
As time passed, the Iran war became one of the most significant electoral issues for the Republicans. In September, gasoline prices in the U.S. rose by 16 cents in just one week, and polls indicated that even seats in conservative states were at risk.
Trump also made mistakes in candidate endorsements, opting to support loyal figures instead of candidates with higher chances of winning. These decisions led to the Republicans' defeat in key Senate races. Particularly in Texas, Trump supported Ken Paxton, who others said had little chance of victory, and the result of this support was his defeat in the elections.
Democrats also succeeded in the elections by introducing new figures like Roy Cooper in North Carolina and Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and this defeat taught the Republicans many lessons.
Read more: Greg Stanton: Americans Want an End to Conflicts in the Middle East · The U.S. Secretary of War Continues His Work
