![President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump talk during a dinner at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7 (local time). [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/08/rcv.YNA.20260708.PYH2026070820210001300_P1.jpg)
US President Donald Trump said voters may be looking to punish Republicans — not him — in November's midterm elections.
In an interview with political outlet Punchbowl News, Trump said "they are angry at Republicans" and "they are not angry at me," according to multiple US media reports Saturday.
Several recent polls have shown Trump's approval rating lagging, fueling expectations that Republicans could struggle in the midterms. The remarks came amid growing concern that the prolonged war with Iran is eroding public support, with Trump appearing to shift blame onto his own party.
Trump also said Republican supporters may not turn out to vote and added, "I'm going to ask them to."
"The question is will they vote," Trump said, "because a lot of them are very angry at Republicans."
Trump has repeatedly suggested he is not focused on the midterm results. The comments are seen as reflecting his determination not to rush negotiations with Iran over electoral considerations.
arin@heraldcorp.com
