Reflecting on his party’s losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections, US President Donald Trump said that while voters support his posture on Iran, they probably were not willing to accept higher gasoline prices driven by the war.
“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,” Trump told Fox News Wednesday following the midterm vote, describing the price pressure as “a short-term problem, but for long-term gain.”
Trump warned that American forces could “finish the job” if Tehran fails to cooperate, though he maintained that a diplomatic agreement remains achievable if it establishes binding restrictions on nuclear weapons.
He also reiterated his decision to cut aid to Israel, saying it has “become quite rich” and no longer needs $4 billion in annual aid.
The remarks came as Democrats were projected by US media to win control of the Senate and appeared on course to secure a majority in the House of Representatives, threatening to constrain Trump’s legislative agenda.
Acknowledging the outcome, Trump commended opposition candidates for fighting “hard” and said he can work with Democrats “on a lot of things,” including immigration issues.
He separately told Politico that while he retains the constitutional authority to veto legislation, he prefers working with lawmakers rather than spending two years vetoing bills.
