By Salma El-Sakka
President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for a sharp stock market decline following projected Democratic victories in the 2026 midterm elections, writing on Truth Social that the market suffered "one of the Worst Days in History based on the results of the Election." Democrats are projected to win 247 House seats versus 147 for Republicans, and hold a 54-44 Senate majority, giving them control of both chambers when the new Congress convenes in January.
Democratic gains in Congress
Key Democratic wins include Luz Rivas in California, Sam Forstag in Montana, and Shannon Taylor in Virginia. The party has also flipped at least 500 state legislative seats nationwide, while Republicans secured a rare flip in the midterms.
Turmoil in Trump administration
Reports indicate a "civil war" inside the administration as insiders scramble to assign blame. Trump has reportedly asked advisors whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should be dismissed. Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles are also caught in the turmoil, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio is said to be on "resignation watch." The White House denied the report.
Hegseth's future uncertain
A senior administration official dismissed firing rumors as "delusional thinking," stating Hegseth has the full support of the Pentagon and White House. However, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky plans to reintroduce articles of impeachment against Hegseth when the House returns next week. Hegseth vowed on the Pentagon steps "not to back down" in advancing Trump's agenda.
El-Sayed seeks cooperation on Israel aid
Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, a critic of Israeli leadership in Gaza, said he would "love to work with" Trump on cutting $4 billion in aid to Israel by year's end. El-Sayed told MSNBC's Morning Joe he opposes subsidizing a foreign military "that has done the worst things with our money."
DOJ pursues Supreme Court leak investigation
The Justice Department has accelerated its investigation into the 2022 leak of the Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a Trump appointee, has assigned senior prosecutor Carlton Davis to the case. Grand jury subpoenas have been issued for testimony and information from former court personnel.
Trump continues to shift blame
Trump posted on Truth Social: "I JUST WASN'T ON THE BALLOT. IF I WERE, WE WOULD HAVE WON IN A LANDSLIDE!" despite having campaigned heavily for Republican candidates by urging supporters to pretend he was on the ballot.
Election night ratings
CBS News finished last in election night viewership with 2.76 million viewers, according to Nielsen data reported by CNN's Brian Stelter.
