Has Trump given up on the midterms?

As of April 15, 2026, the U.S. presidential administration faces mounting pressure from public sentiment, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Iran. Despite this, President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his outlook, as revealed during a recent Fox News interview. He acknowledged that gas prices might rise slightly but emphasized that this issue is unlikely to significantly impact the Republicans’ prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

The current situation involves a U.S. naval blockade, with Iran threatening to halt shipping in the Gulf as a response. Trump’s claim that the war is “very close to over” has sparked debate, with some questioning the realism of his optimism. This episode explores how China’s role in the blockade influences the political landscape, the internal dynamics within the Republican party, and whether voters will ultimately support the president’s strategy of prioritizing national security over short-term economic costs.

Hosts

• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor

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Recent reports suggest that four Senate races could shift toward the Democrats, including key contests in Georgia and North Carolina—both states where Trump secured victories in the last presidential election. The question remains: can the Democratic Party sustain this momentum as the election approaches?

“Gas prices may be a little bit higher, but the war is very close to over,” Trump remarked in his latest appearance on Fox News.

This episode was produced by George Dabby, Alix Pickles, and Grace Reeve. Technical support came from Jonathan Greer, while Purvee Pattni oversaw the series as its producer. Sam Bonham served as the senior news editor.

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