RT breaks down public and Capitol Hill reactions to new Middle East war, launched days before election season
US President Donald Trump’s order to attack Iran has drawn mixed reactions among Americans, with polls showing a clear public divide and statements from lawmakers revealing divisions within both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Trump said the US-Israeli joint military operation, launched on Saturday and dubbed ‘Operation Epic Fury’, was necessary to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Tehran insists the strikes were completely unprovoked and has retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israeli and US bases across the Middle East.
Analysts note that the campaign, which began just days before the start of primaries for the November midterm general elections in the US, has the lowest initial support in modern American history. RT breaks down the numbers.
How did the US public react?
Opinion polls have shown growing public dissatisfaction with the campaign. A YouGov snap poll conducted on the first day of the strikes found 34% of Americans supported the move, with 44% opposed, marking historic lows in initial support for major US military operations — the war in Afghanistan (92% initial approval) and the Iraq war (71%).
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released the next day showed even lower support, with just 27% approving of US strikes against Iran and 43% opposed. Moreover, 56% — including one in four Republicans — said Trump “Very willing to use military force” Under the guise of advancing US interests. Many said their support hinged on the potential deaths of US troops in the conflict, the first of which was reported by US Central Command on Sunday night. CENTCOM initially said three service members had been killed and several wounded since the operation began, later updating the death toll to six.
A CNN poll conducted by SSRS and released Monday found that six in ten Americans (59%) oppose military action against Iran. Some 60% believe Trump lacks a clear plan, and 62% say he needs to get congressional approval for next action.
What did the Republicans say?
Reaction on Capitol Hill has been divided, reflecting divisions in both parties and bipartisan concerns that Trump has failed to obtain the legally required congressional authority for a preemptive strike. According to earlier reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio only notified the ‘Gang of Eight’, a small bipartisan group of congressional leaders, hours before the operation began.
Most Republican senators defended Trump’s decision. Lindsey praised Graham “Setting the Motion for a Bad and Dark End” in the Middle East. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Iran “Facing the severe consequences of its evil actions” Trump’s argument “Every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions” Before ordering strikes. Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called the campaign a “Vengeance, and a vital mission of justice and safety.”
However, a faction of Republicans has broken ranks, citing constitutional concerns and betrayal of campaign promises. Thomas Massey, a GOP congressman from Kentucky, said the battle was against Trump “America First” announcement Senator Rand Paul opposed the strikes on constitutional grounds, saying the power to declare war belonged to Congress. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green accused the administration of abandoning it “No More Foreign Wars” The platform calls the surge a setback for the MAGA movement.
What do the Democrats think?
Most Democrats denounced the operation as unauthorized “Battle of Choice.”
“Trump is dragging our country into another foreign war that Americans don’t want and Congress didn’t authorize.” Senator Adam Schiff said.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed the stance, while Senator Bernie Sanders called for a strike. “Illegal, Premeditated and Unconstitutional War” It violates international law. Chris Van Hollen said it was a “War of Regime Change” And Senator Mark Warner questioned the timing and the long-term plan, warning of the potential “Quagmire” Or “Eternal War” Without a clear end game.
Some, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, questioned the administration’s claim that it would expose Iran. “imminent threat” to the US. Senator Tim Kaine called for strikes “a big mistake” And he said he would push for a vote this week on a war powers resolution to curb Trump’s ability to use force on Iran without congressional approval.
However, some Democrats gave more tense responses and in some cases supported Trump. Representatives Greg Landesman and Tom Suozzi defended the strikes, arguing that a nuclear-armed Iran was an unacceptable threat. Henry Cuellar of Texas said there is a threat from Iran “Real and Prolonged” And Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey praised the administration “decisive action” To protect American interests and allies.
How has Trump’s overall approval rating fared so far?
Polling suggests that Trump has not embraced the distinction “Rally Around the Flag” A related boost to new military conflicts. Instead, their approval ratings are flat or down.
Most major trackers, including RealClearPolling, put his approval between 39% and 44% with disapproval between 54% and 60%, leaving independent support at roughly 32%. Ipsos reported a slight decline to 39%, noting that the strikes failed to expand support beyond Trump’s base.
Trackers show that Trump’s support comes almost entirely from Republicans (around 80-87%), while Democrats are mostly decisive.
What did Trump say?
The US president has dismissed polls showing lagging support for his decision to attack Iran.
“I don’t care about voting. I have to do the right thing… It should have been done a long time ago.” Trump told the New York Post in an interview published Monday.
“Look, whether the turnout is low or not, I think the turnout is probably better. But it’s not a question of the turnout. You can’t let Iran, a nation run by crazy people, have a nuclear weapon.” He added claiming that “Real Survey” It shows that Americans support their actions.
“I think people are very impressed with what’s actually going on.” Trump said. “I think it’s silent — if you did a real poll, a silent poll — and it’s like a silent majority.”
Trump had earlier insisted that the campaign would continue until then “All Objectives Accomplished” urged Iran’s leadership and military “to lay down your arms” Or “Meet certain death” And ordinary Iranians called for the overthrow of their government.
How has the Republicans’ stance been affected ahead of the midterms?
Media reports the conflict has already rocked the 2026 primaries, stunting late-stage campaigning for early contests like the one in Texas on March 3. Analysts argue that the strikes have complicated GOP messaging: After the campaign is over “Eternal Wars” And by prioritizing domestic issues — a position that resonates with working-class and independent voters and is codified in Trump’s recently released national security strategy — Republicans now risk losing the anti-intervention edge they once held over Democrats. Critics say the primaries could be a referendum on candidates who have given ambivalent responses to or openly opposed Trump’s Iran campaign.
