President Donald Trump's interim agreement ending the war with Iran has drawn criticism from his own voter base since its announcement on June 14. The deal, which reopened the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, temporarily lifts oil sanctions on Iran and establishes a $300 billion fund for the country's reconstruction.
According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, only a quarter of Americans believe the war with Iran was worth the cost. The majority fears the ceasefire with Tehran will not be permanent. Monthly discussions with 18 supporters who voted for Trump in the 2024 election reveal widespread skepticism about the deal, which could put Republicans in a difficult position in the November midterm elections.
Terry Alberta, a 65-year-old pilot from Michigan, expressed his reaction, saying, "We really need to weaken the Iranian regime, not hit them a little, pull back, and let them rebuild." Juan Rivera, a 26-year-old living near San Diego, recalled that Trump criticized his predecessors for negotiating with terrorists, adding, "Now he's done the same thing."
While Rivera still plans to vote mostly for Republican candidates, he said many Trump supporters are disappointed with the president's handling of the war and are reluctant to support their party in the midterm elections. "Many people are saying, 'Why should I vote when the president isn't keeping his promises?'" Rivera said, noting this particularly affects Latino voters.
Steve Egan, a 65-year-old promotional products seller from Florida, was already growing distant from Trump after the president's tariffs hurt his business. Frustrated that the war further raised prices on gas and other goods, Egan said Trump's endorsement of candidates in the midterm elections would now be a "kiss of death."
Brandon Neumeister, a 37-year-old corrections officer from Pennsylvania, argued the conflict only benefited oil companies. Having already grown disillusioned with politics before the war, Neumeister said he does not plan to vote in November.
Robert Billups, a 35-year-old from Washington state, expressed cautious optimism that the peace agreement will last, but believes the war made America less secure and more exposed to hostility. Billups, whose view of Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. negotiations, has soured, said, "This time I'll vote for whoever offers a better strategy, regardless of party."
Some loyal Trump voters, however, believe the president has secret plans to bring Iran to its knees. Kate Mottl, a 63-year-old secretary working at a municipal office in the Chicago suburbs, thinks "destroying" the Tehran regime is the only way to prevent future conflicts. Rich Somora, a 62-year-old engineer from North Carolina, said he believes Trump has "more aggressive plans," adding, "I can't believe after all this he won't find a way to get rid of the mullahs." But he added he would start worrying if the Iranian clerics remain in power for another month.
Joyce Kenney, a 74-year-old retiree from Arizona, said she supports lifting sanctions and believes restoring Iran's ability to trade will force its leaders to adhere to the ceasefire. However, she stressed that the $300 billion reconstruction fund is not the responsibility of the United States.
A White House spokesperson said that Trump's "success on the battlefield and at the negotiating table will strengthen American security for years to come." Meanwhile, diplomats and analysts say the war has further strengthened Iran's clerical leadership.
