Veteran journalist Geraldo Rivera has issued a stark warning to Republicans, predicting electoral devastation in the 2026 midterm elections if President Donald Trump’s war against Iran drags on and gas prices remain elevated.
Rivera, a former Trump supporter who now serves as NewsNation’s correspondent at large, delivered the blunt assessment during an April 15, 2025, appearance on “The Daily Take.” His comments arrive as a new Ipsos poll reveals only 24% of Americans believe military action in Iran has been worth the costs, while 51% say it has not.
“I think if the war persists, and if the price of gas stays where it is or goes higher, there will be a stampede in the midterm elections,” Rivera told host Connell McShane. “I think the cost politically to the president will be profound. I think Republicans will be reeling from a revolution.”
The polling data, presented during the segment, paints a grim picture for the administration. When asked to complete the statement “Considering the cost and benefits, the Iran War has been…,” the majority of respondents answered with “not worth U.S. military action.” The numbers reveal mounting public frustration with the ongoing conflict and its punishing economic consequences at the pump.
McShane acknowledged that while Trump’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz might force Iran to accept presidential terms through economic pressure, American patience appears to be wearing thin. The majority of Americans simply don’t believe the war has been worth it—especially with soaring gas prices hitting their wallets.
Rivera agreed the public frustration was warranted, pointing to a central promise from Trump’s 2024 campaign. The veteran journalist emphasized that Trump won election in part by pledging “no more forever wars” to his MAGA base—a commitment now at odds with the current situation in Iran. For Rivera, this broken promise represents a fundamental breach of trust with Trump’s most loyal supporters.
The warning marks a notable evolution in Rivera’s position. Just eight days earlier, he appeared on “TMZ Live” to discuss Trump’s Iran strategy with a more supportive tone. During that April 7, 2025, appearance, Rivera called Trump’s threat to end Iran’s civilization “exaggerated” and expressed confidence that the Department of War would never authorize strikes on civilian targets. He also dismissed concerns that Trump would deploy nuclear weapons.
But Rivera’s tone has shifted dramatically. His latest comments come as the U.S. and Israel continue waging war against Iran, with Trump having set an 8 PM ET ceasefire deadline that included threats to bomb power plants and other critical infrastructure. While a two-week ceasefire was ultimately announced, the economic damage from disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz continues to ripple through global markets.
The rising gas prices stemming from the conflict have become a particularly volatile political issue. Trump’s blockade strategy, aimed at economically crippling Iran, has hammered American consumers at the pump. This economic pain, compounded by skepticism about the war’s strategic value, could spell disaster for Republican candidates in the midterm elections.
The erosion among Trump’s base is already evident in the polls. A CNN survey found that the share of Republicans who strongly approve of Trump’s job performance dropped from 52% in January to 43% by April, while his economic approval rating among Republicans fell 14 points over the same period. Among independents—crucial swing voters in competitive districts—the picture is even bleaker.
Rivera’s assessment suggests that the political window for Trump to achieve victory in Iran and bring down gas prices may be rapidly closing. The longtime broadcaster, who appeared alongside Trump on “Celebrity Apprentice,” seems convinced that the president’s typical bombastic style will not overcome voter frustration if economic conditions don’t improve quickly.
The warning carries particular weight given Rivera’s history as a Trump ally and his understanding of the MAGA base’s priorities. His suggestion that Republicans could face a “revolution” at the ballot box represents one of the most pessimistic forecasts yet from someone within Trump’s extended political orbit.
As the fragile ceasefire holds and gas prices remain elevated, Rivera’s prediction that Republicans face only a “narrow window of opportunity” to avoid electoral disaster will soon face the ultimate test. The 2026 midterms now loom as a potential referendum on Trump’s Iran policy and its devastating domestic economic consequences.
