Republicans are scrutinizing former President Donald Trump's influence following a disappointing midterm election that saw Democrats regain control of the House and Senate. GOP operatives and insiders told Fox News Digital that Trump bears a significant portion of the blame for the party's losses.
"Look, first and foremost, this is a Trump loss," Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor, stated. "He wanted to be—he wanted people to consider him on the ballot. And unfortunately, as a Republican, that's what we got."
The election results were characterized as a "blue tsunami" that "tore the GOP’s coalition asunder." In the Senate, Democrats secured seven pickups, with races in Alaska and Mississippi still undecided. The House saw Democrats achieve 27 pickups, with several races yet to be called.
Sources cited several issues contributing to the Republican setback, including Trump's focus on the Iran war, his attacks on incumbent Republicans, and his endorsement of candidates who ultimately lost in crucial races. "We had a great map, and he hijacked [it]," one Republican aide commented.
Trump's endorsement of candidates, such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and his past conflicts with senators like Thom Tillis of North Carolina, are seen as factors that opened doors for Democrats. The failures of Trump-backed candidates in races in Maine, Kansas, Ohio, and Iowa were particularly damaging to the GOP's chances of maintaining power in the Senate.
In the House, where Democrats are projected to win over 250 seats, factors like Trump's tariffs and the war in Iran were identified by Fox News Power Rankings as reasons for voting blocs shifting away from the GOP.
One House Republican noted that the party's leaders were too focused on "bluster" rather than substantive work, listing issues such as "name changes," unspecified "immigration enforcement," tariffs, affordability concerns, and a move away from "traditional conservatism in favor of populism."
Conversely, individuals within Trump's circle attributed the losses to the candidates themselves, with former Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz posting on X that "most Republican candidates this cycle were uninspiring, lazy, and thoroughly ineffective communicators."
Some Republicans are anticipating a shift in support away from Trump as he enters a period that may involve investigations and stalled legislative agendas. "I think Trump being a lame duck starts today," Eberhart said. "If I'm up in the [2028] cycle, I'm waking up today, I'm against the arch. I'm against the ballroom. I want space from Trump."