Trump on Iran War: If I Had to Make the Decision Again, I Would Do It
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Trump praises Johnson and the Defense Minister's performance, reaffirming support for his decision regarding Iran, as Johnson moves toward resignation following Democrats' control of Congress.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
US President Donald Trump, commenting on remarks by his vice president, JD Vance, who argued that the fallout from the war in Iran contributed to the Democrats’ victory in the midterm elections, said, “I think that’s largely true, because it caused fuel prices to rise somewhat in the short term.” Speaking to reporters for the first time after the elections at the White House’s State Dining Room, Trump added, “If I had to make the decision again, I would do the same thing,” and affirmed that he does not intend to dismiss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom he described as having done “a very good job.”
When asked about the possibility of impeachment proceedings in light of the new congressional landscape, Trump simply said it would “destroy” the Democratic Party. CNN reported that many Republican lawmakers are quickly blaming Defense Secretary Hegseth for their midterm losses, and the House of Representatives may vote early next week on his impeachment.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for US House Speaker Mike Johnson told Agence France-Presse that Johnson would step down as Republican leader following the Democrats’ gains over Republicans in the midterm elections. Johnson is the highest-ranking Republican official in the United States after President Trump and Vice President Vance. When asked whether reports of Johnson’s resignation were accurate, his spokesperson replied in a single-word email: “Accurate.”
The Republican representative from Louisiana informed his office staff of his decision two days ago, the day after Democrats seized control of both chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House. Johnson, 54, has served as Speaker of the House since October 2023, emerging as a consensus candidate after weeks of internal Republican strife following the ouster of his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy.
Trump praised Johnson’s leadership, saying he would “stay out of the race” to choose his successor, as a vote to select his replacement is expected next Tuesday. Trump told reporters, “The Speaker was great. The people working under him were great. They’re all good people.”
On the other hand, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries is seeking support from his colleagues to assume the role of Speaker, and it is widely expected that he will secure the position when the new Congress convenes in January. Jeffries, who will become the first Black Speaker in US history, has pledged to make lowering the cost of living a top priority.
