The midterms were a referendum on Trump—and Biden—foreign policy — SkimNews
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- Trump launched a major war with Iran despite a viable diplomatic deal, leading to a cost-of-living crisis and contributing to the Republican Party’s historic defeat in the 2026 midterms
- Biden pledged to center human rights in foreign policy but continued military aid to Israel during its actions in Gaza, which internal Democratic analyses and polls link to significant voter defections in 2024 and 2026
- Voters in key states like Texas and Michigan elected candidates who explicitly rejected U.S. military aid to Israel and condemned Israeli actions as genocide and apartheid, reflecting a shift in public sentiment
- AIPAC spent over $55 million in the midterms but backed numerous losing candidates, signaling a decline in the organization’s electoral influence amid growing backlash to U.S. Middle East policy
- Congress faces a critical test on December 11 when the continuing resolution expires, with pressure mounting to block new funding for the Iran war to align with voter demands
- Exit polling indicates that foreign policy—specifically wars in Iran and Gaza—has become a decisive factor in voting behavior, a shift observed since George W. Bush’s presidency and now solidified in 2026
Why it matters: The Democratic and Republican electorates have jointly punished leaders who perpetuate militarized foreign policies, with AIPAC losing $55 million on defeated candidates and both parties now pressured to end aid to Israel and funding for the Iran war by December 11—or risk defying a clear voter mandate.
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