Trump Blames Iran War for Midterm Losses, Rules Out Hegseth Exit and Signals Cooperation With Democrats

US President Donald Trump has blamed the Iran war for Republican setbacks in the 2026 midterm elections, while defending his decision to launch the military campaign and ruling out an immediate change in his Cabinet. In his first public remarks following the election setbacks on November 4, Trump said the conflict had contributed to higher oil prices and hurt Republican candidates. He also argued that his personal popularity did not translate into votes for other Republican candidates, adding that the party might have performed better if his name had been on the ballot.

Trump maintained that the conflict with Iran was necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He rejected suggestions that he had promised to end the war immediately after the midterm elections, saying the conflict would end when he decided and that any conclusion had to be appropriate. He added that he would make the same decision to fight Iran again.

Trump Defends Hegseth as Reports Point to Possible Cabinet Tensions

Trump ruled out replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing his performance as very good and saying he was doing an excellent job. He also suggested Hegseth could be popular if he contested a US Senate election in Tennessee.

The comments followed reports that some Trump allies had identified Hegseth as a possible target amid internal discussions over the administration’s handling of the Iran war. CNN reported that a senior political adviser privately blamed the conflict for Republican election losses and suggested Trump felt he had been misled about the war. Some allies reportedly believe the president could seek someone to hold responsible for the political damage.

Hegseth has also faced scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans, who have raised the possibility of investigations and impeachment related to his role. However, Trump has told aides that Hegseth should fight any impeachment effort, according to the reports. Trump also denied plans for a Cabinet reshuffle when asked earlier, while the timing of any potential personnel changes remains uncertain.

The Hill separately reported that Hegseth had privately sought support for a possible challenge to Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee. Blackburn’s current Senate term runs until early 2031. Trump also said he would not intervene in the contest for House Republican leadership.

Trump Signals Cooperation With Democrats but Rules Out Removing Tariffs

Despite the election setbacks, Trump said he could work with a Democratic majority in the next Congress on several issues, including fiscal proposals that he believes could benefit both parties. He indicated that Democrats had contacted him to discuss possible cooperation.

However, Trump ruled out removing existing tariffs, arguing that doing so would disrupt construction activity at approximately 3,000 factories currently under development. His remarks suggest that trade policy will remain a key point of disagreement between the administration and congressional Democrats.

Trump also said he would continue pushing for the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent. He criticised the Senate for failing to take up the bipartisan bill, despite the House repeatedly passing it. Trump said he had avoided pressing the issue before the midterm elections because he did not want to damage the campaigns of certain senators, but would continue pursuing the measure alongside other administration priorities.