With the November 2026 midterm elections fast approaching, the political battle in the U.S. is intensifying. The Iran war, fuel prices and the economy are among the issues at the forefront of people’s minds as they head out to vote.
In the run-up to the elections, President Donald Trump has faced criticism over recent remarks and announcements while campaigning for Republican candidates.
The president drew backlash over his remarks during a rally in Nebraska, where he referred to Iran potentially attacking Los Angeles or San Diego while defending the war and discussing higher fuel prices.
Critics interpreted his remarks as suggesting an attack would be acceptable. The White House disputed that interpretation, saying he was describing the threat the war was intended to prevent. Trump subsequently said: "We protect our cities. We protect our country. We’re not letting that happen."
The remarks followed his proposal to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the payments would require congressional approval.
With Election Day on November 3 approaching and early voting underway in some states, both Democrats and Republicans are making their final push to win over voters.
Here is what Newsweek readers had to say:
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Original Article: Donald Trump Vows to Fund TV Ads Facing Bipartisan Backlash
What To Know: Trump said he would personally fund television advertisements that highlight his administration's agenda after criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over the use of taxpayer money for the promotional campaigns.
Reader Comment: "The government is begging for votes, even offering taxpayer money in exchange for votes and using taxpayer money for advertising. The government lacks humility toward the country and its people. Repentance would be a logical consequence at this point." Ziu
Why It Stood Out: The reader questions the administration’s approach to funding political advertising, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer money and the role it plays in promoting the government’s agenda.
New Calls to Invoke 25th Amendment
Original Article: Donald Trump Faces New Democratic Calls to Invoke 25th Amendment: List
What To Know: In the wake of the president’s comments about LA and San Diego, Newsom called Trump "mentally ill," and said it was time for the 25th Amendment to be invoked. In a post on X, Newsom called Trump "deranged and dangerous."
Reader Comment: "Newsom is shamelessly twisting an obvious hypothetical into another political stunt. Why on earth would Iran suddenly attack Los Angeles or San Diego? Dems are Iran's biggest allies.
"Trump’s point was obvious. He was describing something that should never be allowed to happen, which is precisely why Iran must never be allowed to reach the point where it can seriously threaten American cities. That is not an invitation to attack. It is a warning about what must be prevented.
"And now Newsom is screaming about the 25th Amendment because he thinks voters are gullible enough to fall for that. Taking a hypothetical, stripping away the context and pretending Trump wants California bombed is not leadership. It is desperate, dishonest political theater from a governor looking for headlines." Truth Republic
Why It Stood Out: Here, this reader defends Trump’s comments and disputes Newsom’s interpretation, arguing that the comments were taken out of context for political purposes.
Original Article: Trump Texas Rally Takeaways as Protesters Repeatedly Disrupt President
What To Know: Trump told Texans to "pretend that I'm on the ballot" as he campaigned for Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton in San Antonio last Wednesday. During the visit, Trump told Texans that Democrats would open the state's borders and ruin the economy.
Reader Comment: "Trump says Democrats are going to ruin the economy? Trump already did that. When President Biden left office gas was $3.15 a gallon, inflation stood at just 3 percent, we had good GDP and job growth, more Americans were gaining access to affordable healthcare. Trump has ruined all of that." Reality
Why It Stood Out: This reader rejects Trump’s economic criticism of Democrats and argues that conditions have deteriorated under his administration.
Republicans Spending in Texas
Original Article: Republicans Spending Over $7M per Day To Try and Save Ken Paxton in Texas
What To Know: A Republican super political action committee (PAC) spent approximately $131 million in independent expenditures over 17 days supporting Ken Paxton's Texas Senate bid, an average of about $7.7 million per day, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reviewed by Newsweek.
Reader Comment: "Instead of continuing to pour money into this candidate, it would have been better to field a suitable person for the election in the first place. I know—such people are extremely rare among the GOP crowd." williamK
Why It Stood Out: This reader criticizes the scale of Republican spending on Paxton’s campaign, arguing that the party should have chosen a more suitable candidate.
Trump’s Diesel Deal With Putin
Original Article: Trump Strikes Diesel Deal With Putin to Bring Down Prices Ahead of Midterms
What To Know: Trump announced Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to supply millions of tons of diesel fuel to global markets, saying the arrangement would help lower fuel prices that have remained near record highs ahead of the midterms.
Reader Comment: "Another way to think about Trump announcement today: If he increased U.S. diesel imports from Canada by 4 percent, he would gain as much fuel as from this Russia deal. But the Canadians are global supervillains, so who wants to buy from them when you could enrich Putin instead?" Trickster
Why It Stood Out: This reader questions Trump’s decision to pursue Russian diesel supplies and argues that Canada should be considered as an alternative supplier.
Trump’s Approval Ratings
Original Article: Trump Approval Hits New Low Compared With Biden Before Midterms
What To Know: Thirty percent of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s job performance in Pew Research Center’s September 28—October 4 survey, his lowest second-term rating recorded by Pew. The survey also found Democratic voters more engaged and motivated ahead of the midterms.
Reader Comment: "If he was on a ballot that would be something to talk about. Otherwise, I don't think he really cares that much." Mysterious
Why It Stood Out: This reader questions how much the approval figures matter to Trump personally, given that he is not on the ballot.
Democrats’ Midterm Election Strategy
Original Article: Democrats Fear Their ‘Blue Wave’ May Have Crested Too Early
What To Know: With fewer than four weeks until Election Day and early voting already underway, Democratic leaders, strategists, and veterans of past wave elections are cautioning against the kind of overconfidence they say hurt the party last time.
Reader Comment: "One thing is for sure: if Democrats win in November, they won't have to listen to complaints about not keeping their promises because they aren't promising anything. They're simply campaigning against the way things are now without offering up any solutions.
You have to vote for them to find out what they have in mind, I guess." JimBean
Why It Stood Out: This reader hits out at the Democrats for focusing on opposition to the current administration rather than outlining specific policies or solutions.
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