EXCLUSIVE: Rand Paul Says Economic Woes, Iran War Sank GOP In Midterms

Senator Rand Paul has blamed the Republicans’ midterm losses partly on the cost of living, arguing that inflation, the Iran war and tariffs have increased pressure on American households. He says the party should refocus on economic concerns, balanced budgets and ending the Iran and trade wars to regain voters’ support.

Paul said deficit financing had eroded paycheques by about 27 per cent over six years, while the conflict had pushed up fuel and fertiliser prices. An NBC News exit poll found 63 per cent of voters thought military action against Iran was the wrong decision; around 65 per cent said President Donald Trump’s tariff policies had harmed the national economy, compared with 21 per cent who said they had helped. Paul has also opposed the war in Congress, arguing it required congressional authorisation.