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Trump Talks Iran, ICE, Midterms in Oval Office Interview
Sandy Verma | January 17, 2026 9:24 AM CST

Trump Talks Iran, ICE, Midterms in Oval Office Interview/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a wide-ranging Oval Office interview with Reuters, President Trump reinforced his independent approach to leadership, dismissing criticism from both allies and opponents. He addressed challenges in Iran, ongoing foreign policy struggles, and the looming 2026 midterm elections. Trump showed no signs of shifting strategy, sticking to a playbook built on instinct and defiance.

U.S. President Donald Trump is interviewed by Reuters White House correspondent Steve Holland during an exclusive interview in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 14, 2026.

Trump Interview + 2026 Midterms Quick Looks

  • Trump dismissed Republican and business leader concerns over policy moves
  • He defended the push for U.S. control of Greenland
  • Rejected polling and concerns over Federal Reserve interference
  • Offered no clarity on potential military action against Iran
  • Declined to support exiled Iranian prince Reza Pahlavi
  • Acknowledged difficulties in Gaza ceasefire and Ukraine peace efforts
  • Blamed Zelenskiy for stalled peace talks with Russia
  • Supported ICE operations despite fatal shooting incident
  • Warned of GOP midterm losses, called elections unnecessary
  • Trump promoted his record using a binder of accomplishments
U.S. President Donald Trump is interviewed by Reuters White House correspondent Steve Holland during an exclusive interview in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 14, 2026.

Deep Look: Trump Talks Iran, ICE, Midterms in Oval Office Interview

President Donald Trump, in a candid Oval Office interview with Reuters, laid out his views on major global and domestic challenges as he prepares for a contentious 2026 midterm election season. The 30-minute session touched on foreign policy, economic concerns, immigration enforcement, and his party’s future — all underscored by his unwavering belief in his own strategy.


Dismisses GOP and Business Concerns

When asked about Republican pushback over his controversial policies — including the criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell and his push for U.S. control of Greenland — Trump was blunt:

He brushed off a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing weak support for the Greenland proposal as “fake” and instead pointed to a thick binder of accomplishments as proof of his success.


No Clear Iran Strategy

Despite earlier threats and mixed messaging, Trump remained vague about potential military action against Iran, saying the government’s violent crackdown on protesters appeared to be “easing,” though he declined to identify his source.


Foreign Policy Peace Plans Face Roadblocks

On two of his most high-profile peace initiatives — the Gaza ceasefire and Ukraine war negotiations — Trump admitted progress has stalled.

Regarding Ukraine, Trump suggested the issue lay with President Zelenskiy, not Russia’s Vladimir Putin:


Backs ICE Despite Fatal Incident

Trump responded to the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis with a mix of regret and defense.


Managing Expectations for 2026 Midterms

The president acknowledged the likelihood that Republicans could lose congressional seats in the 2026 midterm electionsciting historical patterns.

Still, he expressed disbelief that elections are even necessary considering his achievements:


Conclusion:
As the midterms approach, Trump is signaling no shift in strategy. He remains dismissive of critics, skeptical of traditional diplomacy, and focused on delivering a narrative of success. Whether that approach will help or hinder Republicans this November remains to be seen.


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