Shea Levin — text status

President Trump privately questioned whether the Iran war had cost Republicans the midterms, asking before polls closed, “If we never went into Iran, what do you think would happen in the midterms?” The NYT reports that an internal presentation warned the prolonged war, closure of the Strait of Hormuz and rising gas prices were hurting Republicans. The report also revealed that senior Trump advisers joked about seeking asylum in Israel ahead of the elections. During a private call, adviser James Blair remarked, “At least Bibi won. He’ll protect us.” Trump’s chief pollster, Tony Fabrizio, responded, “Maybe we could get asylum in Israel.”