‘Democrats did a good job’: Trump congratulates Democrats on midterm wins
Video. US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that rising petrol prices linked to the war in Iran contributed to his Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections. He said voters supported his actions against Iran but were reluctant to pay more at the pump. Trump also praised Democrats.
Updated: 4 November 2026 - 8:25 GMT+1
US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that rising petrol prices linked to the war in Iran played a role in his Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump argued that voters broadly supported his actions against Iran but were unwilling to bear the short-term financial consequences of the conflict.
"I don't think it's the war. I think it's a gasoline price. People agree with what I'm doing on Iran, but they really probably weren't willing to do the short-term consequence of paying more for gasoline," he said.
Trump described the higher fuel costs as a short-term problem that could bring longer-term benefits, while acknowledging voters' concerns.
In a surprisingly conciliatory tone, the president also praised his Democratic opponents for their campaign efforts. "I think the Democrats did a good job. I really do. They fought hard," he said.
