A crushing electoral setback has dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump’s political influence, but the US leader is refusing to accept personal responsibility, blaming defeated Republican candidates and his absence from the ballot for the party’s losses in both chambers of Congress.
Trump congratulated Democrats on their victories late Tuesday, November 3, as election results projected a sweeping Republican defeat in the midterm polls.
Speaking in a series of telephone interviews, the president dismissed suggestions that the outcome reflected declining support for his leadership, insisting that Republican candidates had failed to secure enough votes.
He maintained that his presence on the ballot would have produced a decisive victory for the party, despite having actively campaigned for several candidates who ultimately lost.
Trump’s remarks followed his earlier appeals for voters to support Republican candidates as though he himself were contesting the election.
Despite congratulating Democrats and expressing willingness to work with them, the president warned that he would not hesitate to veto legislation he disagrees with.
He also criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who lost to Democrat Gina Hinojosa, accusing the longtime Republican ally of failing to uphold the party’s principles.
The White House similarly sought to distance Trump from the defeats, arguing that the president had invested considerable effort in promoting some of the candidates who lost.
However, Trump struck a different tone in some interviews, saying he was not interested in assigning blame and had taken lessons from the election results.
Iran war, rising living costs weigh on Republicans
Beyond the candidates’ performances, Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran may have contributed to the Republican losses, although he defended his decision to launch the military campaign and said he had no regrets.
The conflict and its economic consequences became major issues during the election, as rising fuel prices compounded concerns over the cost of groceries, housing and other household essentials.
Exit polls indicated that the cost of living was a major consideration for nearly nine in 10 voters, while almost two-thirds held Trump responsible for high prices.
Democrats prepare to challenge Trump’s agenda
The projected Democratic victories in both chambers of Congress are expected to end Republican control when the new legislature convenes in January.
The shift will significantly complicate Trump’s efforts to push through his legislative agenda, forcing his administration to negotiate with opposition lawmakers on measures requiring congressional approval.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is now positioned to become Speaker of the House, a development that would make him the first Black lawmaker to occupy the position if elected.
Democrats have also signalled plans to intensify investigations into alleged corruption within the Trump administration, with their anticipated control of congressional committees giving them greater powers to demand documents, summon witnesses and scrutinise government spending.
Trump has denied wrongdoing, while his administration has rejected allegations of corruption.
