By:Shamsul Haq
ISLAMABAD:Iran war, inflation and growing criticism of Israel policy pose challenges for Republicans as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress
The US midterm elections, being held against a backdrop of declining public support for President Donald Trump, are emerging as a crucial test of his political standing and the Republican Party’s grip on Congress.
Recent opinion polls have placed Trump’s approval rating near the lowest level of his presidency. A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted ahead of the elections put his approval at 32 per cent, close to a career low, while voters expressed greater support for Democratic candidates in the congressional race.
The Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. However, if the Democrats make significant gains, particularly in the House of Representatives, Trump’s legislative agenda could face serious obstacles during the remaining two years of his presidency. Even losing control of one chamber would give the opposition greater leverage to scrutinise administration policies and challenge its legislative priorities.
Several factors appear to have contributed to the decline in Trump’s popularity. The war with Iran, its economic consequences and rising living costs have become major concerns for American voters. Higher energy prices and persistent inflation have added to household financial pressures, making the economy a central issue in the midterm campaign. Polling has also indicated considerable public dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran.
Another source of political discontent is Trump’s policy towards Israel. Critics argue that his strong support for the Israeli government sits uneasily with his campaign promise to put American interests first. Opposition to US military assistance to Israel has also become increasingly visible in sections of the American electorate, including among some Republican voters.
Against this backdrop, Trump has indicated that Washington will end its annual military assistance of approximately $4 billion to Israel by the end of this year. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, he said he had reached an understanding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that Israel no longer needed the financial support. He also suggested that the United States could continue supplying military equipment through arms sales. The announcement, made on election day, has attracted attention partly because support for Israel has become a contentious issue in American domestic politics.
The proposed change, however, raises questions about the future of the longstanding US-Israel security partnership. The existing military assistance arrangement runs through 2028, and any substantial change would require further clarification and congressional involvement.
The election results will therefore carry implications beyond the balance of power in Congress. They will offer an indication of how American voters view Trump’s domestic and foreign policies, particularly his handling of the economy, the Iran conflict and relations with Israel.
The immediate question is whether the Republicans can retain their narrow congressional majorities. If they lose control of either chamber, Trump may find it increasingly difficult to advance his legislative programme. Whether such a setback would prompt a reassessment of his policies or reinforce his confrontational approach to political opposition remains to be seen.
