WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump blamed Fox News, Republican candidates and his absence from the ballot for his party’s midterm losses, while rejecting the idea that voters had delivered a verdict on his leadership. By Wednesday, however, he had acknowledged that the war with Iran and the resulting rise in gasoline prices contributed to the defeat.
Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, setting up a divided government when the new Congress convenes in January. The shift will give Democrats control of congressional committees and greater power to investigate the administration and shape the legislative agenda.
As Republican losses became clear Tuesday night, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Fox News “bears responsibility” for airing Democratic voices. He also argued that Republicans would have won “IN A LANDSLIDE” if he had been on the ballot.
Minutes later, Trump called Fox News for a 22-minute interview. He congratulated Democrats but rejected the idea that the result reflected negatively on his presidency. He called the past two years the greatest in presidential history, citing the economy and his administration’s record.
Trump also faulted Republican nominees. He said some candidates had opposed him in the past and failed to inspire the MAGA base. He added that he had endorsed people he did not personally get along with for the sake of the party.
The president had campaigned for Republicans in the final month, holding about 30 rallies, including stops in South Carolina, Texas and Kansas. But he said the crowds’ enthusiasm did not translate into votes for the candidates he supported.
His account shifted on Wednesday. Trump told Fox News and The Wall Street Journal that Iran was “a part” of the election result. He pointed to gasoline prices as a short-term cost of the war, but defended the campaign as necessary and said he would make the same decision again. Reuters reported that Democratic candidates had made the war and its economic effects central campaign issues.
Trump said he would consider working with Democrats but warned that he would veto bills he considers “insane.” He predicted that after several vetoes, Democrats would negotiate with him.
The new majority will constrain Trump’s legislative agenda, although it cannot override a veto without the required two-thirds vote in each chamber. Trump’s comments left both sides of his response on display: he recognized that the Iran war hurt Republicans, while continuing to blame candidates and media coverage for the broader losses.
