Trump pauses Iran strikes as war costs and midterm worries mount
US politics and the Iran conflict are colliding, and it looks bad for Trump and Republicans heading into the midterms.
- Trump paused planned strikes on Iran because the US is running low on air defense munitions, fearing Iran could hit back.
- The war could cost $80β100 billion or more, dragging on the economy and worrying Republican voters.
- Some three-time Trump voters now regret it, pointing to higher gas prices, no promised rebate checks, and a new war.
- Polls show tight midterms β the House leans Democratic, the Senate is a toss-up, and one in five Republicans may stay home.
- The fight is also about money in politics, with attention on Citizens United, billionaire super PACs, and Elon Musk's growing wealth versus a flat minimum wage.
Outlook: Republican control of Congress looks shaky if voter frustration over the war and gas prices holds through the midterms.