Trump foreign policy hits voters in the pocketbook, imperiling Republicans in midterms

U.S. President Donald Trump points a finger onstage during a rally at Florida Gulf Coast University's Alico Arena ahead of the midterm elections, in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday. | REUTERS

Oct 24, 2026

Washington – Foreign policy is rarely the deciding factor in U.S. midterm elections, when economic considerations usually drive voters’ choices.

But this time, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s war against Iran and his sweeping tariff campaign pushing up costs for Americans, his approach to world affairs has itself become a pocketbook issue.

As the Nov. 3 elections approach, there are growing signs that voters are drawing that connection directly, creating a major liability for Trump and his fellow Republicans and imperiling their control of Congress.

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