‘Democrats did a good job’: Trump congratulates Democrats on midterm wins

Updated: 4 November 2026 - 8:25 GMT+1 US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that rising petrol prices linked to the war in Iran played a role in his Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump argued that voters broadly supported his actions against Iran but were unwilling to bear the short-term financial consequences of the conflict. "I don't think it's the war. I think it's a gasoline price. 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," he said. Trump described the higher fuel costs as a short-term problem that could bring longer-term benefits, while acknowledging voters' concerns. In a surprisingly conciliatory tone, the president also praised his Democratic opponents for their campaign efforts. "I think the Democrats did a good job. I really do. They fought hard," he said.