By Ahmed Abdelsalam
President Donald Trump acknowledged surprise at Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections, telling Fox News he was "a little bit surprised" by the results. "I thought we would do better," Trump said, citing large rally attendance as evidence of expected success.
Blame on candidates and external factors
In interviews with Fox News and Politico, Trump attributed the defeats to Republican candidates and high gas prices stemming from the war in Iran. He also noted he was not on the ballot, posting on his social media platform: "I wasn't on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!"
Willingness to work with Democrats
Despite the losses, Trump said he would work with Democrats but emphasized his veto power. "I'd consider doing whatever I think is appropriate and good for the country," he told Politico when asked about a potential immigration deal. He later posted an image of his signature red hat with "VETO" displayed across it.
Endorsed candidates fall short
Trump played an outsized role in several key races. He endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary, and backed Darline Graham in a South Carolina special election to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat. Both Paxton and Graham were projected to lose.
Criticism of Texas governor
After Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa was projected to defeat Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Trump attacked Abbott on social media. "If Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, hadn't become a RINO in the last six months of his Political Life, he wouldn't have lost," Trump wrote, using the term "Republican in Name Only."
Democrats projected to control Congress
Democrats were projected to take control of both the House and Senate, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Trump had previously projected confidence that Republicans would defy polls but said he would be "Mr. Veto" if Democrats regained control.
