Republicans Distance From Trump Amid Iran War Criticism Before Midterms

Republican candidates in competitive midterm races are increasingly calling for an end to the nearly seven-month-long war in Iran, as public disapproval of President Donald Trump's handling of the conflict grows.

This shift comes as active hostilities have resumed in Iran after peace talks stalled over the summer, and Trump has publicly floated the possibility of annihilating the Islamic Republic. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced concerns about the war's impact on fuel prices, which have spiked across the U.S. In Iowa, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson stated Americans are being crushed by rising costs due to the war.

Republican Ohio Sen. Jon Husted told Politico the war needs to end as quickly as possible to lower gas prices, despite having previously voted against a war powers resolution. Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany said it is time to move on from the conflict and focus on domestic issues. Former Rep. Carlos Curbelo told The New York Times that these breaks with Trump indicate survival mode for Republicans, who no longer fear primary challenges from the president.

Marc Short, former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, expressed skepticism about Republicans' ability to distance themselves after years of supporting Trump's agenda. Meanwhile, polls indicate a majority of Americans disapprove of the war, with a Deseret News survey showing 54% of Utah voters disapproving, slightly higher than the national rate of 52%.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faces calls for impeachment, with a poll finding 51% of registered voters support it for starting a war with Iran without authorization by Congress. Rep. Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth for violating the War Powers Resolution.