President Trump is facing a difficult path toward the midterms as his own party members raise concerns about his recent influence on the political landscape. Former Representative Barbara Comstock said Sunday that during this summer, President Trump “did everything he could to help Republicans lose” the upcoming midterms, The Hill reports.
Comstock explained her perspective during a recent appearance on MS NOW’s “The Weekend.” She noted that elections are often decided during the summer months, and she believes the President failed to set his party up for success during that period.
“Well, I think elections are won in the summer, and we’re now here in late September. And Donald Trump did everything he could to help Republicans lose over the summer,” Comstock said. She pointed to a series of compounding issues that have created a difficult environment for GOP candidates.
Her comments highlight a growing anxiety within the party as the electoral season reaches its final stretch
One major factor cited by Comstock is the ongoing conflict in Iran, which hit the seven-month mark on Monday. She noted that the war is unpopular with the public and has had a direct impact on the economy. “You know, starting with the [Iran] war, continuing all through the summer, which led the gas prices to be, you know, $4.49, and the war is not popular at all, and, of course, you know, now we have 7 percent interest rates,” she added.
Former GOP rep: 'Trump did everything he could to help Republicans lose' #TheHill https://t.co/7vJu2Ysz2X
— #TuckFrump (@realTuckFrumper) September 28, 2026
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a vital waterway for the oil industry, has further complicated energy costs. Data from AAA shows the national average for a gallon of regular gas was about $4.48 on Monday morning, a significant jump from the $3.13 average seen last year.
The economic pressure is also hitting potential homeowners hard. Last week, the average 30-year mortgage rate climbed above 7 percent, marking the first time this threshold has been crossed since January 2025. These financial hurdles are contributing to a tough polling environment for the administration. As of Monday morning, a polling average from Decision Desk HQ placed the approval rating for President Trump at 39.4 percent, while his disapproval rating stood at 59.1 percent.
These numbers have caused some Republicans in the heartland to distance themselves from the President. Lawmakers and candidates in states like Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio are actively pushing for a quick resolution to the war in Iran. They are worried about the backlash they might face from voters who are frustrated by rising fuel costs and the general unpopularity of the conflict.
The White House has maintained a different perspective on the President’s standing. When reached for comment, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle issued a statement regarding the administration’s strategy. “No one can dispute the fact that President Trump has created one of the most robust coalitions in political history with the MAGA movement, and the President understands how to communicate with them,” Ingle stated.
