WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump has blamed growing public opposition to Israel for the Republican Party’s defeat in the United States midterm elections.
Trump said the war with Iran and rising petrol prices also contributed to the losses, which handed Democrats control of both chambers of Congress.
The president made the remarks during an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, broadcast on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
He said American voters had become increasingly dissatisfied with Israel and the military conflict involving Iran.
Trump described the sentiment towards Israel as “a great dislike, incredibly, for Israel”, according to the full interview transcript published by CBS News.
The president also argued that Republican candidates had struggled because he was not personally on the ballot.
His comments were among his first detailed public explanations for the election results, which delivered major victories to Democrats across several states.
Trump Defends Decision to Attack Iran
Despite identifying the Iran war as a factor in the Republican defeat, Trump defended his administration’s military campaign.
He maintained that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons justified the decision to launch military operations.
During the interview with Ross Douthat, Trump was asked whether he would make the same decision again, given the political consequences.
The president answered that he would.
He argued that allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon would have exposed his administration to greater criticism.
Trump also acknowledged that higher petrol prices had contributed to voter dissatisfaction.
The conflict disrupted energy markets and increased fuel costs, placing additional pressure on American households.
Nevertheless, Trump maintained that the military campaign had been necessary to protect American interests.
He also claimed that the war had prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons, although the interview did not independently establish that assessment.
According to CNN, Trump said other countries, including Israel, should contribute towards the financial costs of the conflict.
He argued that American military intervention had protected those countries from serious threats.
Vice President Vance Calls for Changes in US-Israel Relations
Trump’s explanation followed similar concerns expressed by Vice President JD Vance after the Republican election defeat.
Vance identified the Iran war, the cost of living, and the United States’ relationship with Israel as issues requiring attention.
He also called for a renewed emphasis on domestic economic priorities and an end to the war.
During the CBS interview, Trump was asked whether he agreed with his vice president’s assessment.
The president said he did not disagree with Vance’s conclusions but maintained that the decision to attack Iran had been justified.
Vance’s position reflects a debate within the Republican Party over the extent of American military and financial commitments overseas.
Some Republican figures have called for Washington to place greater emphasis on domestic priorities, while others continue to support strong American military assistance to Israel.
The disagreement has become more visible since the United States joined Israel in military operations against Iran.
Trump Signals Changes to American Aid for Israel
Trump’s remarks came days after he raised the possibility of ending approximately $4 billion in annual American military assistance to Israel.
The president made the announcement on the day of the midterm elections, although the White House did not immediately clarify whether it represented a formal policy decision.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently suggested that the relationship could shift away from direct financial assistance towards a broader partnership.
The Associated Press reported that Netanyahu’s government had discussed gradually reducing its dependence on American aid.
The United States has provided Israel with substantial military assistance for decades, including advanced weapons and financial support.
Trump has repeatedly defended Israel’s security but has also insisted that American allies should assume greater responsibility for their own defence.
His latest statements have raised questions about how Washington intends to manage the financial and military dimensions of its relationship with Israel.
Democratic Victories Reflect Divisions Over Israel Policy
The midterm elections produced gains for Democrats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The results included victories by candidates who had openly criticised American support for Israel.
In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed won a Senate seat after campaigning as a critic of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
El-Sayed has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation rejected by the Israeli government.
The conflict has also produced disagreements within the Democratic Party over military assistance and the treatment of Palestinians.
Among Republicans, criticism has increasingly focused on the cost of American involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly the war with Iran.
However, Trump’s explanation of the Republican defeat remains his assessment of the election results. The outcome alone does not establish how much individual issues, including attitudes towards Israel, influenced voters.
Israel Faces Political Uncertainty After Election
The change in American political sentiment comes as Israel faces its own difficulties in forming a government.
Netanyahu lost his parliamentary majority in Israel’s recent elections, although he remains in office while negotiations continue.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has asked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, to attempt to form a government.
Eisenkot must secure sufficient parliamentary support before he can replace Netanyahu.
The uncertainty comes amid disagreements over Israel’s military policies and its diplomatic relationships.
Trump has maintained a close relationship with Netanyahu but has also indicated that he could work with Eisenkot.
The president’s latest comments place American attitudes towards Israel among the issues he believes contributed to the Republicans’ electoral defeat.
They also come as the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress prepares to assume greater authority over American legislation, government spending, and congressional oversight.
