Kennedy: Iran War, Spending Cuts Top Midterm Concerns for Iowa Families
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) says the cost of living and the Iran conflict are the two issues keeping American families, including those in Iowa, up at night as the midterm elections approach. In a Sunday interview on CBS's Face the Nation, Kennedy offered a blunt assessment of the administration's strategy, defended recent executive spending cuts, and called for a nationwide address to explain the war to the American people.
What did Sen. Kennedy say about the Iran situation?
Kennedy acknowledged that the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing real economic pain for Americans, linking it directly to the price of gasoline and other goods. He dismissed a recent Iranian offer to the president as unserious.
“Iran is a sucking chest wound and the world is safer for it,” Kennedy said. “The strait is at least partially closed, and it's affected the price of oil and oil's in everything, including gasoline. And it's painful as hell.”
Kennedy cautioned against a ground invasion, noting that sending in troops would create a long-term commitment. Instead, he urged the administration to either find a diplomatic solution to reopen the strait or escalate the current campaign.
Why does Kennedy want a nationwide address on the war?
With Republican candidates in Iowa and other battleground states facing voter frustration over the conflict, Kennedy argued the White House needs to make a clearer case to the public. He recommended that President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, or General Caine deliver a prime-time address.
“Moms and dads lie down to sleep at night and can't, they're not lying there worried about whether the football coaches are happy or whether the press is biased,” Kennedy said. “They're worried about the cost of living. And they're a little worried about Iran because they don't understand why, but they know the two are inextricably linked.”
Kennedy predicted the midterm results will be close, saying, “The experts will be wrong. They almost always are.”
Is Kennedy defending the president's cancellation of nearly $1 billion in funds?
Yes. Kennedy pushed back against Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who called the White House's unilateral cancellation of congressionally approved funds a “clear violation of the law.” Kennedy argued that Congress only approves broad spending categories, and the bureaucracy often wastes the money on frivolous projects.
“Spending porn is what I call it. That's how we ended up with millions of dollars for circumcisions in Zambia and electric buses in Rwanda,” Kennedy said.
He specifically defended the cuts proposed by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, which target aid to NGOs that support illegal immigration and payments toward foreign debt. “Congress ought to get up off its ice-cold, lazy butt and cut it itself. But since we're not, I'm glad that Russ Vought's doing it,” Kennedy said.
What does Kennedy think about the new taxpayer-funded ad promoting President Trump?
Kennedy drew a sharp line against using public money for self-promotion, even when it benefits the president. He contrasted the new ad with his previous criticism of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who spent $220 million on commercials featuring herself.
“I don't think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves,” Kennedy said.
He jokingly suggested a new rule: no politician should have a building named after them while alive. “We have that rule in Louisiana. It works pretty well,” he said.
What does this mean for Iowa voters?
For Iowans heading to the polls in 37 days, Kennedy's remarks highlight the national mood. The economy remains the top concern, and the ongoing military action in Iran is a close second. Kennedy's call for transparency and his defense of cutting wasteful spending align with conservative priorities on fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
The interview underscores a growing divide within the Republican Party over the war and the use of executive power, even as leaders like Kennedy urge unity and a focus on kitchen-table issues.