President Donald Trump has responded to a devastating night for the Republican Party after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 US midterm elections.
The results represent a major political reversal, with Democrats winning crucial Senate races in traditionally Republican states while also reclaiming the House of Representatives.
The outcome means Trump's final two years in the White House could look dramatically different, with the opposition gaining significant powers to challenge his administration.
However, rather than accepting personal responsibility for the Republican losses, Trump has offered a different explanation for what went wrong.
He has also delivered an unexpectedly conciliatory message to Democrats, while making clear that he intends to use his presidential powers if the two parties cannot reach agreements.
What did Donald Trump say about the midterm election results?
Following the election, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to argue that Republicans would have performed considerably better if he had personally been standing for election.
"I wasn't on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!" the president wrote.
He repeated the argument during an interview with CBS News, suggesting his absence from the ballot had affected Republican turnout.
"I feel that I wasn't on the ballot, and there was nothing that could be done about that," Trump said.
"If I was, we would have won," he insisted.
The president's remarks came despite Democrats winning several high-profile races involving candidates who had received his endorsement.
His explanation also contrasted with exit polling that suggested dissatisfaction with the administration played a significant role in the election.
Trump delivers unexpected message to Democrats
Despite the scale of his party's losses, Trump also offered congratulations to the Democrats following their victories.
Speaking to CBS News, the president said: "My message is, congratulations to the Democrats, and I look forward to working with you for the good of our country."
He suggested that cooperation between the White House and the incoming Democratic majorities could still be possible.
However, Trump quickly followed his comments with a reminder that he would retain the power to reject legislation passed by Congress.
"I know a lot of Democrats," he said. "I have total veto power and I'm sure we'll be able to work things out."
The president also suggested that Democrats would have an incentive to negotiate with him rather than attempt to advance legislation he opposed.
Trump said he believed Democrats would want to work with him because otherwise he could veto their proposals.
Although presidents possess substantial veto powers, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
Trump criticises Republican candidates following losses
The president also appeared to question the popularity of some Republican candidates who competed in the midterms.
During his CBS interview, Trump suggested that certain candidates had failed to inspire his supporters to vote.
"In some cases they didn't like the candidates, and in some cases those candidates were not my friend and the base knows that better than anybody," he said.
He argued that some Republican voters had stayed home and again claimed the outcome would have been different if his own name had appeared on the ballot.
However, the election results included defeats for prominent Trump-backed candidates, raising questions about the effectiveness of his endorsements.
Republicans also faced criticism over the cost of living, the administration's handling of the Iran war and concerns about government accountability.
Democrats win historic Senate races in Republican states
One of the most striking features of the election was the number of traditionally Republican states that elected Democratic senators.
According to election projections reported by the Associated Press and Reuters, Democrats secured enough seats to regain control of the Senate.
The party achieved significant victories in Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa and other competitive states.
These results represented a dramatic departure from recent electoral trends and helped deliver a majority in the upper chamber.
James Talarico wins Texas Senate race
Texas delivered one of the most closely watched results of the election after Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Paxton had received support from Trump and Elon Musk, making the result a significant setback for the Republican Party.
Talarico's victory marked the first time a Democrat had won a US Senate election in Texas since 1988.
Addressing supporters following the result, Talarico celebrated the significance of the victory and argued that ordinary voters had overcome the financial and political influence of powerful interests.
The outcome suggested that even states long considered reliable Republican territory could become competitive under the right political circumstances.
Adam Hamilton makes history in Kansas
Another major upset occurred in Kansas, where Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall.
Hamilton became the first Democrat to win a US Senate election in Kansas since 1932.
His campaign focused on concerns about political division, leadership and the direction of the country.
Following his victory, Hamilton said voters from different political backgrounds had expressed frustration with events in Washington.
The result was particularly notable because Kansas has remained a Republican stronghold in federal elections for decades.
Sherrod Brown returns to the Senate in Ohio
Democrat Sherrod Brown also secured a significant victory in Ohio, defeating Republican Senator Jon Husted.
Husted had been appointed to the Senate seat previously held by JD Vance after Vance became vice president.
Brown, who previously represented Ohio in the Senate, reclaimed a seat for the Democrats in a state that has shifted towards Republicans in recent presidential elections.
His victory contributed to the broader Democratic gains across the country.
What does Democratic control of Congress mean for Trump?
With Democrats taking control of both the House and Senate, the political balance in Washington is set to change substantially when the newly elected Congress begins its term in January 2027.
The party will gain greater influence over legislation, government spending and congressional investigations.
In the House, Democratic leaders will be able to determine which legislation reaches the floor and oversee committees capable of investigating the administration.
In the Senate, the party will gain control over the chamber's legislative agenda and significant influence over presidential appointments.
Democratic senators could also block or delay nominees who require Senate confirmation.
However, the president will retain important executive powers, including the ability to veto legislation.
This means that major policy changes may require negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders.
Why did Republicans suffer such heavy losses?
The results have prompted renewed scrutiny of the administration's policies and the Republican Party's electoral strategy.
Exit polling reported by major news organisations indicated that many voters were dissatisfied with the country's direction.
Economic pressures, including the cost of everyday essentials, were among the concerns influencing voters.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran also featured prominently in assessments of the election.
According to Reuters, exit polls suggested that approximately half of voters viewed the election as an opportunity to express opposition to Trump.
Many also supported stronger congressional checks on presidential power.
These findings suggest that the outcome reflected a combination of concerns about individual candidates and broader dissatisfaction with the administration.
What happens next after the midterm elections?
Democrats are expected to begin exercising their new congressional majorities when the next Congress convenes in January 2027.
Until then, Republicans retain their existing congressional positions during the remaining weeks of the current legislative session.
Once the new Congress is seated, the administration will face a substantially different political environment.
Trump has indicated that he is willing to work with Democrats but has also warned that he will use his veto power if negotiations break down.
For Democrats, the election provides an opportunity to challenge the administration's priorities and pursue their own legislative agenda.
For Republicans, the results raise difficult questions about their political direction ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Although Trump insists his presence on the ballot would have produced a different outcome, the midterm results have handed Democrats a significant opportunity to reshape the final two years of his presidency.
