By Salma El-Sakka
Republicans are turning against the MAGA movement and engaging in serious soul-searching after suffering a historic defeat in the midterm elections. Prominent figures including outgoing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called on the party to reset and look to the future following the Democratic wipeout.
DeSantis Warns of Long-Term Damage
At a somber press conference, DeSantis likened the midterms to "an extinction-level event for Republicans" and warned the effects would be felt for years. He said the results would impact Republican chances of unified control in Washington for two, four, or even six years.
Haley Criticizes Party's Direction
Haley, a frequent Trump critic, reprimanded the GOP for listening to Trump over the American people. She said Republicans ignored voters' concerns about high groceries, gas, and health care, accusing the party of self-dealing and corruption.
Romney Calls for Course Correction
Romney posted on X that he was "hoping for a course correction, for the country and for my party." He listed factors including erratic tariffs, impulsive Iran war threats, blanket pardons, apparent corruption, weaponized justice, ICE brutality, mountainous deficits, and abandoning allies.
Trump Dismisses Defeat
At his first public appearance since the results, Trump barely acknowledged the loss. He gathered reporters to discuss White House ballroom construction and said he had no regrets about his campaign closing, claiming "If I were on the ballot, we would have won."
GOP Faces Internal Reckoning
Party officials described a reckoning over the GOP's direction. Some advocate a return to normalcy that repudiates Trump's style but not his ideology, while others openly celebrate that Trump will leave office in two years. Democrats also face their own reckoning after progressive gains, with Haley noting both parties need self-reflection.
