Trump facing midterms nightmare as approval ratings plunge over Iran war

Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a record low as the military and economic toll of the US-Iran war collides with the upcoming 2026 midterm elections - and the pressure is on.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to US correspondents Ben Smith and Poppy Wood to examine how the conflict in the Middle East is threatening Trump’s control of Congress and driving inflation at American gas pumps. With oil prices surging past $90 a barrel due to sustained disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, Republican candidates from Texas to Maine are increasingly worried.

Plus, amid a growing mutiny inside the Pentagon over the Iran war, could Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth be on the chopping block if the midterms go badly for Trump?

Highlights

Donald Trump’s approval rating plummets to a record lowCould Pete Hegseth be on the chopping block if the midterms go badly?

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Ben Smith, Washington correspondent @bsmithjourno

Poppy Wood, US correspondent @poppyeh

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