Former Representative Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) on Sunday accused President Trump of actively undermining Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections, saying his summer actions have left the party in a precarious position.
"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 on MSNBC's "The Weekend."
Comstock, who lost her northern Virginia seat in the 2018 blue wave, pointed to the president's handling of the Iran conflict as a key drag. "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.
With Election Day fast approaching, Trump and his party face a challenging landscape. His approval rating has slumped to 39.4 percent, according to a Decision Desk HQ polling average released Monday, while disapproval stands at 59.1 percent. Democrats have consistently outperformed Republicans in recent generic ballot polls, and economic anxieties are mounting.
The Iran war, now in its seventh month, has disrupted global oil markets, with the Strait of Hormuz closed amid the fighting. That has driven U.S. gasoline prices to an average of $4.48 per gallon, according to AAA, up from $3.13 a year ago. Trump has rejected a ceasefire and signaled possible further strikes, prolonging the conflict and keeping energy costs elevated.
Meanwhile, the average 30-year mortgage rate surpassed 7 percent last week for the first time since January 2025, adding to voters' financial strain. Comstock's comments reflect a broader unease among Republicans, particularly in heartland states where the war and inflation are hitting hard.
Several GOP lawmakers and candidates in Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio have publicly called for a swift end to the Iran war, citing high fuel prices and the conflict's unpopularity. They fear backlash from constituents who are struggling with everyday costs.
The White House has not yet responded to The Hill's request for comment on Comstock's remarks. As the midterms near, the political fallout from Trump's summer decisions remains a central concern for Republicans trying to hold onto their majorities.
