Washington, USA, November 5, 2026 — The White House has shared an image of President Donald Trump carrying the message “NEVER SURRENDER” on X, following the Republican Party’s setback in the 2026 US midterm elections.
The post came as the administration faced growing political scrutiny over its policies, particularly the ongoing war with Iran. Democrats made significant gains in the elections, with US networks projecting that they would regain control of both chambers of Congress.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump acknowledged that the conflict with Iran had contributed to the Republicans’ electoral losses, agreeing with Vice President JD Vance’s assessment that the war had affected voter support for the party.
Asked about Vance’s comments, Trump said the assessment was “largely true”. He linked the conflict to a short-term increase in gasoline prices but defended the military campaign, arguing that it was necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
“Well, I think it’s largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short-term, and probably that’s uh probably it’s true. But at the same time, if I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again because long-term, it’s the only answer. You can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
Trump also argued that his personal popularity had not translated into votes for Republican candidates. He said the large crowds at his campaign rallies did not necessarily mean voters would support other party nominees.
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“If I were on the ballot, we would have won. You saw the people—they were packed, thousands and thousands of people were there… But you couldn’t just transfer that love,” he said.
The president further maintained that higher fuel prices, rather than the war itself, were the main reason for voter dissatisfaction. He pointed to the resumption of oil shipments through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Vance, meanwhile, had identified the Iran war as the main factor behind the Republican defeat. He cited internal polling that indicated voter concerns about the conflict, inflation, the administration’s “America First” agenda and US relations with Israel.