Democrats flipped control of Congress after securing dozens of House seats, several governorships, and unexpected Senate victories in conservative strongholds like Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. Party strategists attributed these widespread losses to voter backlash against the administration's immigration crackdowns and controversial trade tariffs, though some allies cited weak local nominees. Facing an incoming majority ready to block judicial nominees and launch investigations, Donald Trump rejected responsibility, insisting the party would have won in a landslide had he personally appeared on the ballot.
Key points
The newly elected Democratic majority intends to stall the president's legislative agenda…: The newly elected Democratic majority intends to stall the president's legislative agenda and block future judicial nominees.
Republican insiders remain divided over whether poor candidate quality or the president's…: Republican insiders remain divided over whether poor candidate quality or the president's national platform caused the defeat.
Donald Trump rejected personal accountability for the midterms by claiming his presence o…: Donald Trump rejected personal accountability for the midterms by claiming his presence on the ballot would have ensured victory.
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- Published
Inside the Republican Party, initial shock at the stunning election results on Tuesday night quickly gave way to anger with US President Donald Trump.
After Democrats won upset after upset in deep-red states like Texas, Kansas and South Carolina, some Republicans focused their ire on Trump, arguing that his focus on his legacy and indifference to voter concerns cost the party control of Congress.
"It's on him. It's not on anybody else. It's a total, complete rejection of President Trump," Bill Miller, a top Republican lobbyist in Texas, told the BBC. "This is a disaster of the first magnitude. Nobody saw it coming like this."
Most Republicans expected to lose control of the House and were clear-eyed about the challenge of holding onto the Senate in a tough election cycle that favoured the party out of power.
But some said in interviews that Trump dragged them down with unpopular policies, a low job approval rating and obsession over construction projects in Washington.
"It was just one mistake after another," said Gregg Peppin, a Republican strategist in Minnesota. "Clearly,…
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