> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theglobalvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Trump’s Iran War and Tariffs Put Republicans on the Defensive Ahead of Midterms - URL: https://www.theglobalvoice.com/trumps-iran-war-and-tariffs-put-republicans-on-the-defensive-ahead-of-midterms/ - Published: 2026-10-24T13:33:15.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T13:33:15.000Z - Description: With the US midterms approaching, Donald Trump faces mounting criticism over his Iran war and tariff policies. Polls show weakening approval, while rising gasoline prices and inflation are complicating Republicans' efforts to defend the administration's economic record. - Author: TGV Desk - Tags: Donald Trump, US Midterm Elections, Republican Party, Iran War, US Economy, Trade Tariffs, Inflation, US Foreign Policy, The Day So Far, Top Stories, has-audio Donald Trump returned to the White House promising to make America more prosperous, bring down prices and put an end to costly foreign entanglements. But ten days before the midterm elections, his administration is fighting a war against Iran, Americans are paying substantially more for gasoline, and voters are increasingly questioning the economic policies he once presented as the foundation of his presidency. The discontent is showing up in opinion polls. An [October Reuters/Ipsos survey](https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/reutersipsos-mid-october-survey?ref=theglobalvoice.com), conducted among 1,679 American adults, put Trump's approval rating at 31%. Among registered voters, Democrats held a 47% to 35% advantage over Republicans in preferences for Congress. The numbers have become particularly uncomfortable for Republicans who must defend the administration's record while campaigning for seats in the House and Senate. The war with Iran has become a central source of public dissatisfaction. Trump launched military operations alongside Israel in February, presenting the campaign as necessary to confront Tehran. Eight months later, the fighting has continued, oil supplies remain vulnerable to disruption, and American households are bearing higher energy costs. An [October Pew Research Center survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/10/08/iran-conflict-remains-deeply-unpopular-as-many-americans-expect-it-to-go-on-for-months/?ref=theglobalvoice.com) found that 65% of Americans disapproved of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, compared with 33% who approved. More than three-quarters expected the fighting to continue for at least another six months. Nor has the administration's trade policy escaped criticism. Trump has defended tariffs as a means of protecting American industry, strengthening domestic manufacturing and extracting concessions from trading partners. But the prospect of higher import costs has become harder to sell to voters already struggling with household expenses. In another [Pew survey examining public attitudes towards tariffs](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/10/08/cost-concerns-dominate-as-publics-economic-ratings-turn-more-negative/?ref=theglobalvoice.com), 56% expected Trump's policies to have a mostly negative effect on the country, against 20% who anticipated a positive outcome. Even among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, confidence has weakened: just 40% expected a positive impact, down from 52% in August 2025. The economic figures are giving voters additional reasons for concern. [US inflation climbed to 3.7% in September](https://www.theglobalvoice.com/us-inflation-hits-3-7-as-trumps-cost-of-living-problem-deepens/), with gasoline prices rising 9.1% during the month and 34.2% over the year. The [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi%5F10142026.htm?ref=theglobalvoice.com) found that fuel accounted for more than half the monthly increase in consumer prices. Faced with the energy crisis, Trump has taken measures that would previously have been politically difficult for his own party to defend. Washington has permitted additional Russian diesel transactions and moved to delay certain sanctions and tariff penalties against Moscow, hoping that greater supply will ease fuel prices. --- Those decisions have also angered Republican lawmakers who favour tougher economic pressure on Vladimir Putin. After Congress passed legislation threatening steep tariffs against major buyers of Russian energy, Trump invoked waiver powers rather than immediately imposing the penalties. Republicans now face criticism from different directions. Some voters oppose the war and question its cost. Others distrust the administration's tariff policies or are frustrated by higher prices. Trump's supporters continue to defend his approach to national security and trade, but support for his economic record has weakened even within his political coalition. The November 3 elections will determine all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. The results will also decide whether Trump can continue pursuing his domestic programme with Republican majorities in Congress or must negotiate with an opposition-controlled chamber. The president has considerable authority over foreign policy, but Congress controls spending and can investigate executive decisions. If Republicans lose their majority in either chamber, the administration could face more aggressive scrutiny of its military campaign, tariffs and dealings with foreign governments. For Republican candidates, the difficulty is immediate. They are asking voters to renew their congressional mandate while defending a president whose promise of lower prices has collided with the economic consequences of his foreign policy. There are still ten days left to persuade them.