Trump uses US border funds for ‘propaganda’ as Republicans turn on Iran war

Republicans are revolting over soaring prices from the Iran war and there is turmoil inside the Pentagon. The polls predict Donald Trump could lose the House and the Senate in the 2026 US midterms - are they right?

On today’s bonus episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks with Politico’s senior defence correspondent Connor O'Brien and defence reporter Leo Shane III about why the economic fallout from the war is leading GOP candidates to distance themselves from Trump. The president is responding by taking $20 million in Homeland Security funds for personal ads that Democrats have described as “propaganda”.

Plus, what we learned from Pete Hegseth’s ‘State of the Force’ address: the White House consolidates power over the US military, the growing Pentagon void from personnel cuts, and news of an Autonomous Warfare Command.

Highlights

• Trump uses US border funds for ‘propaganda’ as Republicans turn on Iran war
• Pentagon unveils new drone command and personnel cuts

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Connor O'Brien, Politico senior defence correspondent @connorobrienNH

Leo Shane III, Politico defence reporter @LeoShane

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

US midterm elections 2026: How do they work and what could they mean for Trump?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/09/14/us-midterm-elections-2026/

Pete Hegseth vows to rid US army of ‘fatties, trannies and weirdos’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/01/pete-hegseth-elon-musk-us-military-state-of-address/

Stalled military nominees leave a Pentagon void

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/23/military-nominees-pentagon-void-01090209

Dems plot to take on Hegseth if they win in November

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/10/dems-plot-target-hegseth-01069194

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey

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