Byron York says Republicans are concerned about prices not war
Washington Examiner’s chief political correspondent Byron York reports that Republican voters largely support President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran. However, rising gas prices linked to the conflict may pose a significant political challenge as the 2026 midterm elections approach. York emphasizes that voters are primarily concerned about the cost of living rather than the war itself, and any increase in fuel prices could impact their views. The U.S. has been engaged in hostilities with Iran for nearly five months, including recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Despite military success, public approval of the action remains low, with disapproval outweighing support two to one. Additionally, there is concern among Republican strategists that independent voters are shifting to oppose the war, possibly affecting future political outcomes. While gas prices temporarily eased after initial increases, further rises could be politically damaging.
Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York says Republican voters largely stand behind President Donald Trump‘s military action against Iran, but rising gas prices could become a bigger political problem heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
“What is worrisome to Republicans, is not that Republican voters are deeply concerned about the war,” York said Tuesday on the Hugh Hewitt Show. They’re actually not all that concerned about the war, but they are very concerned about the cost of living. So, to the degree that they see the war as increasing the price of gas, they don’t like that.”
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The United States has been at war with Iran for nearly five months. The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear facilities last month after Israel and Iran exchanged attacks, with the Trump administration arguing the operation was necessary to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. York said the military objective was accomplished.
“Trump set out to ensure that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon,” he said. “He can’t do that forever, but he can do it for a pretty long time. And he’s done that — the goal of the war has been accomplished.”
Trump has since ordered additional strikes against Iran, with U.S. Central Command stating the military successfully completed its 11th consecutive night of strikes.
Despite that, York noted that military action remains unpopular with the broader public, with “disapproval outweighing approval by roughly two to one,” he said.
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“The most worrisome thing to Republican strategists right now is that they see independent voters kind of thinking and acting like Democrats on the war issue,” York said, noting that the independents have been more likely to oppose the strikes.
While gas prices initially rose following the conflict before easing, York said any renewed increase could prove politically damaging.
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