Economic discontent drives 2026 US midterm shake-up, while Saudi-US ties remain resilient

Rising living costs, declining purchasing power, and dissatisfaction with public services have reshaped America’s political landscape, delivering a major setback to Republicans and raising questions about the future direction of US foreign policy.

The 2026 US midterm elections have once again demonstrated a fundamental truth about American politics: voters ultimately judge their leaders by the conditions of their everyday lives. Although foreign policy, international conflicts, and national security remain important, economic security often carries greater weight when citizens enter the voting booth.

The Republican Party is now facing the consequences of widespread voter dissatisfaction following significant electoral losses. Members of the administration have begun searching for explanations, while the White House faces growing pressure to account for the political setback. Vice President JD Vance attributed the defeat to the war with Iran, arguing that the conflict had damaged the administration’s electoral prospects. However, this explanation overlooks a much broader problem: the growing financial pressure on American households.