Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is not concerned about the political consequences of the prolonged conflict with Iran, adding that Iranian leaders are mistaken if they believe the November midterm elections will pressure him into reaching an agreement.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said in reference to Iran’s leadership: “They thought they could outlast me… They said, ‘We’ll outlast him. He has midterm elections.’ I don’t care about the midterm elections.”
Trump made the remarks during discussions on how to end the conflict. However, many of his Republican allies are already uneasy over his previous comments downplaying the war’s economic impact on Americans.
Trump initially said the war would last between four and six weeks, but it is now entering its fourth month. At times, he has suggested the conflict could end within days, only to later say it may continue for some time.
As voters grow increasingly concerned about rising prices, particularly gasoline prices, political pressure is mounting on Trump’s Republican Party, which is expected to face challenges in maintaining control of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate.
Those concerns intensified after Trump endorsed scandal-plagued primary candidate Ken Paxton over incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas.
Paxton faces criminal fraud charges, and his wife is pursuing divorce proceedings on religious grounds. Nevertheless, he easily defeated Cornyn in Tuesday’s Republican primary after receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Democrats now believe the Senate seat in the traditionally Republican state could become competitive in November.
During the Cabinet meeting, Trump also referred to several construction projects in the U.S. capital.
Some Republican lawmakers said those projects distract from more pressing economic issues.
A Reuters review of Trump’s public remarks since January showed that the president has increasingly mentioned a White House ballroom, renovations to the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, and plans to build a giant arch.
Reuters
