The Republican Leader Dismisses Political Considerations Despite Declining Approval Ratings. On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the November midterm congressional elections will not influence his decisions regarding the war with Iran. The president rejected the suggestion that the proximity of the Nov. 3 congressional elections, in which the Republican majority in Congress will be at stake, would shape his strategy toward Iran. “Everybody says, ‘You’re doing this before the elections.’ According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late April, only 34% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as president, the lowest level of his second term.