Trump’s remarks suggest he may benefit from Republican defeat in upcoming midterms

During a recent Georgia appearance, Donald Trump declared that the United States is reaping huge profits from the Middle East conflict and dismissed concerns about higher gasoline costs. Observers argue that his comments reveal a hidden incentive for Republicans to lose the upcoming midterms. First, because he is not a candidate, he can claim the party cannot succeed without him.

Second, a Democratic majority could revive investigations and subpoenas that he seems to relish. Third, a Democratic victory would give him fertile ground to allege election fraud and possibly prompt legal challenges. The analysis also notes that the early surge in U.S. oil earnings has waned as Persian Gulf exports have returned to near-pre-war levels.