Trump Faces Political Backlash Amid Iran War

Rising oil prices, economic turmoil, and criticism from both parties challenge the president's Iran policy.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:03am

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Two weeks into the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, President Donald Trump is facing growing political challenges. His approval ratings have declined, and even some of his supporters are questioning his war strategy as American casualties mount, oil prices surge, and financial markets tumble. Democrats are seizing on the economic turmoil to criticize Trump's policies ahead of the midterm elections, while Russia is benefiting from eased sanctions on its oil exports.

Why it matters

The war with Iran has become a major political liability for Trump, undermining his claims of success and his party's economic messaging. With control of Congress at stake in the midterms, the president's handling of the conflict could have significant implications for the Republican Party's electoral prospects.

The details

Trump is increasingly agitated by media coverage of the war and has failed to articulate a clear plan for ending the conflict. He has suggested the U.S. will need to rely on the international community to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, but it's unclear if a multinational effort has been organized. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department has announced a 30-day waiver on Russian sanctions, a move that is benefiting the Russian economy and drawing criticism from allies like Ukraine.

  • Two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran
  • Last weekend, Trump golfed a day after witnessing the dignified transfer for six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war
  • This past week, the death toll from the war rose

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who launched the war with Iran.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whose country is benefiting from eased sanctions on its oil exports due to the war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine, who has criticized the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil as empowering Putin.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to see a very big decrease in the prices of gasoline, gas, anything having to do with energy, as soon as this is ended.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

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The takeaway

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