Trump Faces Backlash Over Iran War as Midterms Loom

President's claims of early victory undercut by rising costs, American deaths, and political fallout

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:06pm

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In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump has faced growing political fallout. Trump's claims of an early victory have been undermined by rising oil prices, American casualties, and economic turmoil, which have hurt the GOP's chances in the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats are positioning themselves to capitalize on the public's concerns about the conflict.

Why it matters

The war in Iran has far-reaching political implications for Trump and the Republican Party. With control of Congress at stake in the November midterms, the conflict has become a major campaign issue, with Democrats criticizing Trump's handling of the situation and pointing to the economic turmoil as proof that Republicans have failed to deliver on their promises.

The details

Trump is increasingly complaining about media coverage of the conflict and has suggested the U.S. would need to lean on the international community to help oil tankers move through the Strait of Hormuz, where transportation has been severely disrupted. The U.S. Treasury Department also announced a 30-day waiver on Russian sanctions, which has been criticized by allies as empowering Putin. The longer the conflict goes, the more pronounced questions about the midterms will become, with some Republicans warning of a 'disastrous election' for the GOP if gas and oil prices remain high.

  • On Saturday, Trump spent hours at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, before attending a closed-door fundraiser for his MAGA Inc. super PAC at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
  • Last weekend, he also golfed at another of his South Florida properties a day after witnessing the dignified transfer for six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who launched the strikes on Iran and is now facing growing political backlash.

Kelly Dietrich

The CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee, who believes the past two weeks show the Trump administration has failed at long-term planning.

Rand Paul

A Kentucky Republican senator who suggested that if gas and oil prices continue to stay high 'you're going to see a disastrous election' for the GOP.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine who called easing sanctions on Russia 'not the right decision' and 'certainly does not help peace'.

Brad Bannon

A Democratic strategist who believes Democrats just have to keep reminding people that Trump made a promise to bring prices down, and they're still going up.

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What they’re saying

“We've won. You know, you never like to say too early you won. We won. We won the, in the first hour, it was over.”

— Donald Trump

“They're flying by the seat of their pants, and rest of us are paying the price.”

— Kelly Dietrich, CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee

“If gas and oil prices continue to stay high 'you're going to see a disastrous election' for the GOP.”

— Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican Senator

“Easing sanctions is 'not the right decision' and 'certainly does not help peace' because it leads to a 'strengthening of Russia's position'.”

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

“Democrats just have to keep reminding people that he made a promise to bring prices down, and they're still going up.”

— Brad Bannon, Democratic strategist

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.