Senate Democrats are preparing to force a vote this week on whether President Donald Trump can continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval, setting up a politically uncomfortable moment for Republicans as they head into the 2026 midterm elections.
The conflict has created a cascade of problems for the GOP. Beyond the military engagement itself, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil traffic, has driven up gas prices at the pump. The disruption also threatens food security through higher diesel costs and surging fertilizer prices, since about 30% of the world's fertilizer supply moves through that same waterway.
A CBS News/YouGov poll from April 8-10 shows the public has turned decisively against Trump's handling of Iran. Just 36% approve of his approach, while 64% disapprove. When asked about military action specifically, 60% disapprove while 40% approve. Nearly six in ten Americans say the conflict is going badly for the U.S., and 62% say Trump has no clear plan.
The numbers reveal deeper erosion in Trump's credibility on the issue. Two-thirds of respondents say the administration has failed to clearly explain its war objectives. Fifty-nine percent lack confidence in Trump to make sound decisions regarding Iran.
Attempts to broker a peace deal have stalled. Trump is now relying on Navy deployments to challenge Iran's grip on the Strait, but regional experts warn that Iran holds asymmetric advantages. The country can destroy cargo vessels cheaply, making it nearly impossible for the U.S. or anyone else to guarantee safe passage through waters that were open before the war began.
When Fox News host Maria Bartiromo asked Trump yesterday whether oil prices would drop before the midterms, his answer was hardly reassuring. "I hope so. I mean, I think so," Trump said. "It could be, it could be, or the same, or maybe a little bit higher." He added that prices should stabilize but offered no concrete timeline.
The Iran conflict is compounding other political headwinds. Trump also escalated a public feud with Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff criticized the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran and called for peace. Trump attacked the pope on social media and in remarks to reporters, calling him "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy."
The pope responded directly to NBC News, saying he had "no fear of the Trump administration" and would continue advocating for peace based on gospel principles.
Trump also posted an image portraying himself as a Christ-like figure on his Truth Social account, which was later removed. When asked about it, Trump claimed the image depicted him as a doctor related to the Red Cross. But the post drew criticism even from conservative allies, including former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called it "blasphemy" and an "Antichrist spirit."
The twin controversies with the pope could test Trump's standing among a critical voting bloc. Catholic voters favored Trump 55% to 43% in 2024, up from a split decision in 2020. Among Protestants, 62% voted for him, including 81% of white evangelicals. These numbers were already at risk before the latest dust-up.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "The Iran war has become Trump's worst political liability heading into the midterms, and his dismissive response to public concerns about gas prices and military strategy suggests he's running out of answers."
Comments