Trump: War in Iran Costs Us the Election

….Obama hails voters for rejecting division

By Emameh Gabriel

US President Donald Trump has blamed the war in Iran and the resulting surge in petrol prices for the Republican Party’s heavy losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections, as Democrats swept to victory across all categories of the ballot.

Former President Barack Obama has declared that Americans had sent “a clear message” that they want unity over division.

Speaking to Fox News by telephone after his party lost control of Congress, Trump said part of the reason Republicans lost heavily “was Iran,” arguing that voters were unwilling to accept the short term pain of higher gasoline prices even if they supported his administration’s actions.

“People were probably not willing for the short term consequence of the price of gasoline,” he said.

Trump congratulated Democrats but rejected the notion that the result was a verdict on his leadership.

“Congratulations to the Democrats. They did a good job. They have been looking for this one for 11 years, and they finally got it. But I don’t view it as a hit on me. I think we have done. We have had the greatest two years in the history of the presidency,” he said.

He vowed to block legislation he considers unacceptable. “Democrats will send things that are insane and I will veto them,” he said, while leaving the door open to cooperation. “We will get along with them very well. If we don’t, we will be very tough on them, and they will be very tough on us.”

In a statement on his social media accounts after the results, Obama said the outcome showed voters want leaders who bring people together and offer practical solutions.

“Tonight, the American people sent a clear message. They want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face,” he said.

Obama credited the wave of Democratic victories to candidates who stepped forward in every region of the country, “including in areas once considered long shots.”

He noted that the candidates came from different backgrounds and represented a range of political perspectives, “but were united by shared values, a belief in public service, and a commitment to putting the people of their districts and states first.”

He also paid tribute to election officials and volunteers from both parties.

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the thousands of election officials and volunteers from both parties who helped ensure a smooth election and carried out one of the most essential functions of our democracy,” Obama said.

Looking ahead, Obama said Democrats must now focus on delivering.

“While this administration has another two years in office, our job now is to roll up our sleeves, make changes wherever we have the power to do so, prevent further damage, and lay the groundwork for the future.”

Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate. In the House, they crossed the 218 seat threshold and are projected to finish with about 224 seats, a net gain of roughly 25, with flips in North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, and California, among others.

In the Senate, Democrats hold 53 seats after flipping seven Republican held seats, well beyond the four net gains needed for a majority. The flips include North Carolina, Maine, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, and South Carolina. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico unseated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Democrat to win a Texas Senate seat since 1988.

Governorships: Historic Gains

Democrats flipped at least four governor’s mansions. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson to become the first Black woman elected governor in US history. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa beat incumbent Governor Greg Abbott. Democrats also took the governorships of Kansas and Iowa.

With two years left in the White House and Congress now in Democratic hands, Trump’s legislative agenda faces a wall. His veto threat signals a defensive posture, blocking rather than building, while Obama’s remarks frame the Democratic victory as a mandate to govern and to lay groundwork for the future. Both parties are already positioning for 2028.