Donald Trump has blamed the Republican Party's midterm election defeats on the candidates themselves, asserting that a Republican sweep would have occurred if he had been on the ticket. The former president, who was not on the ballot, expressed his views in a late-night call to Fox News and on his Truth Social platform, even as results indicated significant losses for his party.
Trump's reaction followed a night where Democrats secured victories in both the House and the Senate. The former president reportedly spent the evening in the White House, watching the election results unfold. A source close to the president told the Daily Mail that Trump was "barely uttering a word and paralysed into silence" while watching the events on Fox News. His call to the network was described as rambling, shifting between melancholy and defiance, at one point offering to work with Democrats and at another vowing to veto any legislation they sent his way.
While Trump insists he remains a powerful force, the midterm results are being interpreted by some as a repudiation of his influence and the past two years of his presidency. A Republican friend, described as a shrewd observer who has run a major US corporation, predicted the party's downfall, attributing it directly to Trump. This friend reportedly told the author that the situation was "worse than I thought" and that Trump was "crazy, capable of anything, even starting World War III."
Critics point to Trump's policies, such as tariffs that increased the cost of imported goods and his approach to international relations, as contributing factors to voter dissatisfaction. The author also notes that Trump's promise to end "forever wars" and reduce the cost of living has not materialized, with his actions allegedly contributing to inflation and high energy prices. These factors, combined with a perceived shift away from Trump's "bizarre and unpredictable antics" by independent and more thoughtful Republicans, are seen as significant reasons for the party's losses.
Despite the setbacks, Trump's allies suggest he has little to lose and could become more unpredictable. Some fear that a cornered Trump might lash out at perceived enemies, especially if Democrats pursue impeachment or investigations. The author draws a parallel to historical midterm losses experienced by presidents like Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, who were able to secure second terms. However, Trump faces the prospect of being unable to run again, leaving him with different strategic considerations.
The author also contrasts the US midterm elections with the British political system, suggesting that the American process allows voters to pass judgment on the president and their government more directly. The piece concludes by highlighting the potential for continued turbulence in both the US and globally, particularly concerning financial markets and energy prices, stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran and its impact on oil supply routes.