Republicans point to Trump as cause of midterm setbacks

Republicans on the ground say President Donald Trump’s preoccupation with his legacy and a series of unpopular policies led to the party’s loss of Congress in Tuesday’s 2026 midterm elections, according to BBC News.

Why do some Republicans blame Trump for the defeat?

They argue his focus on legacy, low approval ratings and contentious issues such as the Iran war, tariffs and immigration created a “perfect storm” that turned voters away. Bill Miller, a top Texas Republican lobbyist, told the BBC, “It’s on him… a total, complete rejection of President Trump.” Gregg Peppin, a strategist in Minnesota, added, “It was just one mistake after another.”

What historic losses did Democrats achieve?

Democrats captured a Senate seat in Kansas for the first time since 1932 and won a statewide race in Texas for the first time in more than three decades, while also pulling off upsets in traditionally red states like South Carolina. The party added dozens of House seats, governor contests and Senate victories, widening the Democratic majority that will now oversee investigations and block Trump’s agenda.

How did Trump respond after the results?

Trump remained silent for most of the night, then posted on Truth Social, “I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.” He later told the New York Times and Fox News he would accept the results, calling himself “a little bit surprised” but noting that the president’s party typically loses ground in midterms.

Other details from the BBC interview include criticism of the Republican Senate campaign in Texas, praise for Trump’s rally‑driven turnout, and internal party frustration over his off‑message remarks at the Dallas midterm convention, where he pledged $5,000 to any Republican voter and disparaged candidate Ken Paxton.