Democrats have won clear majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, delivering an unexpected blow to the ruling Republican Party. Losing control of both chambers just two years into his second term is a major political setback for President Donald Trump, who has since offered his own explanation for the defeat in remarks to international media.
Trump identified the war with Iran as the main factor. He said the conflict drove crude oil and gasoline prices sharply higher, straining household budgets and making inflation a central election issue. Voters, he said, backed his policies but were unwilling to absorb higher fuel costs. He added that he had no regrets about his decision on the war and would continue to support Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The president also argued that the absence of his name from the ballot changed the outcome. “Had I been in the race myself, the party would have had a one-sided landslide,” he said, adding that the enthusiasm his supporters show for him did not carry over to local candidates, depressing turnout. He further blamed the personal shortcomings of several Republican nominees, saying many failed to win voters’ confidence and were rejected even by party loyalists, and insisted that his administration’s first two years had gone well.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Fox News, traditionally viewed as friendly to Republicans, of giving Democrats and figures such as former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio greater airtime and coverage, hurting Republican chances. He also praised the Democrats’ ground-level strategy, conceding that they campaigned effectively and gained an advantage.
Trump said he was willing to work with Democrats in the national interest, but warned that he would use his veto power to block any bills he considers unreasonable. Analysts say the results appear to set the stage for a sharp confrontation between the White House and Congress in the months ahead.