In a move that has left even his own advisers perplexed, President Donald Trump is aggressively pushing the United States toward the brink of war with Iran, despite urgent warnings to focus on the economy and domestic issues that matter most to voters. This reckless foreign policy agenda is overshadowing the bread-and-butter concerns of Americans ahead of the crucial 2026 midterm elections.

Sidelining the Economy

Trump's fixation on Iran has become the starkest example yet of how his foreign policy, including his expanded use of military force, has taken priority over the economic issues that public opinion polls show are the top priorities for most Americans. As Reuters reports, the President has ordered a massive military buildup in the Middle East and preparations for potential airstrikes on Iran, even as his own aides urge him to instead concentrate on the cost of living and other economic matters that could sway undecided voters.

Ignoring Domestic Concerns

White House advisers and Republican campaign officials are reportedly "mindful of the need to avoid sending a 'distracted message' to undecided voters more concerned about the economy," according to a senior White House official who spoke to The Straits Times. This suggests Trump is dangerously out of touch with the issues that matter most to average Americans as he pursues his hawkish Iran agenda.

Risks of Military Escalation

The bigger picture here is that Trump's saber-rattling toward Iran poses serious political risks ahead of the midterms, as Asharq Al-Awsat reports. Any military escalation could backfire and distract from the economic concerns that will be crucial for Republican candidates. Trump may be boxed in by his own show of force, unable to de-escalate without losing face if Iran doesn't make major concessions on its nuclear program.