ST. PAUL, Minn. (Diya TV) — Minnesota Republican gubernatorial nominee Lisa Demuth called Thursday for President Donald Trump to end the war in Iran, saying higher fuel and fertilizer prices are hurting the state’s residents and farmers.
“When it comes to the war and the increased prices that are a result of that, it is hurting Minnesotans,” Demuth said when reporters asked about the conflict. She said she and Trump were “different people” and that the administration should bring the war to an end.
Demuth, the Minnesota House speaker, faces Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November’s governor’s race. During the Republican primary in June, Demuth told MPR News she could not name a Trump policy she disagreed with. She has since called his tariffs on Canadian goods “damaging.”
Klobuchar’s campaign challenged the timing of Demuth’s remarks, saying the Republican had not previously opposed the war. Klobuchar voted Thursday for a resolution that would have required Trump to end U.S. military action against Iran or seek congressional authorization to continue it. The Senate rejected the measure 50-49. Four Republicans joined most Democrats in supporting it, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against it.
Demuth joins Republican Senate candidates Mike Rogers of Michigan and Ashley Hinson of Iowa in calling for a swift end to the conflict. Both had previously supported Trump’s authority to strike Iran.
The remarks come as voters face higher energy costs. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week put Trump’s approval rating at 32%. Demuth said she would work with his administration if elected governor but would speak up when she disagreed with it.
