Trump Acknowledges Republican Defeat in Midterm Elections and Vows to Use Veto

Democrats secure both chambers of Congress

Following the US midterm elections, Democrats have gained control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. According to BBC News reports, noting that the outcome was an unexpectedly severe defeat for Republicans. President Donald Trump, in a post on the Truth Social platform, acknowledged that Democrats 'did a good job' and, in an interview with The New York Times, stated he is 'absolutely ready to accept' the election results and 'looks forward to working' with Democrats.

Trump seeks blame among his own

Trump's main criticism was directed at his own candidates. He accused Greg Abbott, who lost the Texas governorship to Democrat Gina Iñiguez, of becoming a 'RINO' — 'a Republican in name only' — during the last six months of his political career. According to Trump, Abbott would not have lost had he not abandoned his 'original formula.' Trump contrasted this with a hypothetical scenario: 'If I had been on the ballot, Republicans would have won by a landslide.' In an interview with CBS News, he added that some candidates 'were not his friends' and simply were not liked by voters.

Iran and gasoline prices as factors in the defeat

Trump acknowledged that the Iran conflict contributed to the election outcome but linked it not to the war itself but to its economic consequences. 'People agree with what I am doing regarding Iran, but they were probably not prepared for the short-term consequences — paying more for gasoline,' he said on Fox News. Significantly, Iran's top negotiator, commenting on the results, stated that Americans voted 'against war' — an interpretation that contradicts Trump's own explanation, as he insisted that voters were repelled specifically by fuel prices, not by the military operation itself.

Veto as the primary tool

Despite expressing willingness to cooperate, Trump warned that he would block 'crazy' Democratic bills. 'After a couple of months of vetoes, they will call and ask: how do we get this passed? And we will work together,' he told Fox News, adding: 'I have the power of veto.' On Truth Social, he posted a photo of a red MAGA-style cap with the word 'VETO' written on it. Separately, he attacked Fox News for what he considered excessive coverage of Democrats and for an interview with former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, whom he called the 'worst mayor' in the city's history.

Historic results of the night

The elections produced several symbolic firsts: James Talarico became the first Democrat to win a seat in the Texas Senate since 1988, while Abbott's defeat marked the first Democratic victory for the state governorship in over 30 years. BBC correspondent Anthony Zurcher described the night as historic, noting that Democrats 'shattered Trump's political map.' As Republican losses mounted, Trump announced on Truth Social his intention to 'become a political commentator' and analyze the reasons behind candidates' victories and defeats.

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