Trump's Iran strikes and new tariffs raise inflation concerns for Republicans
Resumed attacks on Iran and fresh tariffs on Canadian goods have pushed gasoline prices higher, prompting criticism from Democrats and unease among some Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump ordered renewed military strikes against Iran after the country attacked oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, a move that sent gasoline prices above $4 per gallon and revived inflation worries. On Monday he imposed a 50% tariff on most Canadian imports, and later announced additional duties on dozens of other nations, raising the risk of higher consumer costs and possible retaliatory measures.
The administration also allowed a bipartisan housing construction bill to become law without a presidential signature, missing an opportunity for a Republican-focused signing ceremony. Democrat Senator Peter Welch said the tariffs were "a death march for the economy" and criticized Trump for damaging long-standing U.S.–Canada trade ties.
Republican Senator Mike Rounds expressed concern about rising commodity prices, while Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski warned that high living costs could generate backlash against incumbents, particularly Republicans who control Congress and the White House.
A recent Politico poll indicated that only about 37% of self-identified Trump supporters consider the Iran conflict worth its economic cost, down from 50% in early May. Overall, 63% of adults attribute high gas prices to the war, and 42% believe prices would be lower under a Democratic president.
Trump told reporters that potential Iranian influence on the midterms would not affect his actions, saying he would "do the right thing" regardless. The White House declined to comment further.
Republican Representative Troy Nehls downplayed the impact of higher gas prices, calling them temporary, but acknowledged they could become a political liability.
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said the ongoing instability in the Middle East and recent attacks on Russian refineries make fuel price forecasts highly uncertain.
Senator Elizabeth Warren accused the administration of raising consumer costs through tariffs, while U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended the policy as a tool to support reindustrialization, protect workers, and reduce the trade deficit.
Retaliatory tariffs have already affected U.S. farmers, prompting a $12 billion aid package in a House budget bill. Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie warned that voters’ concerns over pocketbook issues could eventually outweigh partisan loyalty.