US President Donald Trump has congratulated Democrats following their victory in the 2026 midterm elections, which gave them control of both chambers of Congress. However, he rejected personal responsibility for the Republican Party’s defeat.
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Trump acknowledged that the ongoing war with Iran may have influenced voters. Nevertheless, he defended his administration’s actions and argued that Republicans would have performed better if he had been on the ballot.
According to a November 4 report by Africanews, drawing on AFP reporting, Trump also criticised Republican candidates and signalled that he would continue challenging Democratic policies.
The election results represent a major setback for his administration as Democrats prepare to exercise greater influence during the final two years of his presidency.
Trump congratulates Democrats after election victory
Trump offered an unusual message of congratulations to his political opponents following the results.
“Congratulations to the Democrats. They did a good job,” Trump told Fox News.
However, the president insisted that the outcome did not represent a personal rejection of his leadership.
He argued that Republicans struggled because he was not among the candidates seeking election.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed his party would have secured a landslide victory if his name had appeared on the ballot.
His remarks contrasted with his earlier campaign message, when he encouraged Republican supporters to treat the midterms as a vote on his presidency.
Despite the defeat, Trump said he accepted the election results and was prepared to work with Democratic lawmakers.
Iran war becomes major election issue
The ongoing conflict with Iran featured prominently in Trump’s response to the Republican defeat.
During his Fox News interview, the president acknowledged that the war may have contributed to the outcome.
“I think a part of it was Iran,” Trump said.
The conflict has increased pressure on the US economy, particularly through rising oil prices and fuel costs.
Africanews reported that public dissatisfaction with the war and its economic consequences had become an important issue during the election campaign.
However, Trump defended his administration’s approach toward Tehran.
The White House also suggested that resolving the conflict could eventually reduce fuel prices.
Democrats gain control of Congress
Democratic control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate could significantly change Washington’s political landscape.
The party will have greater influence over legislation, federal spending and congressional investigations.
As a result, Trump could face additional obstacles when attempting to advance his domestic policy agenda.
However, the president said he remained willing to cooperate with Democrats on issues where both sides could reach an agreement.
“I can work with them on many things,” he said.
At the same time, Trump warned that he would use his presidential veto against legislation he opposed.
His remarks suggest that negotiations between the White House and Congress could become increasingly difficult.
Trump blames Republican candidates for losses
Trump also criticised members of his own party following the election.
He singled out Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who lost his race to Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Trump accused Abbott of abandoning Republican principles and suggested that this contributed to his defeat.
Meanwhile, a White House official argued that the quality of Republican candidates played a significant role in the election results.
According to the official, Trump had worked extensively to support candidates across the country.
Nevertheless, those efforts failed to prevent Democrats from securing control of Congress.
The outcome has raised questions about the Republican Party’s electoral strategy and its relationship with Trump.
White House signals continued political confrontation
Despite the Republican defeat, the White House indicated that Trump would continue pursuing his political agenda.
An administration official warned that Democratic voters could regret their decisions if economic conditions improved following a resolution of the Iran conflict.
The official also suggested that Trump’s determination to confront his political opponents would become stronger.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are expected to use their congressional majority to challenge administration policies and increase oversight.
The election outcome could shape the remainder of Trump’s presidency, particularly his approach to domestic policy, foreign affairs and relations with Congress.
With two years remaining in his second term, Trump now faces a more challenging political environment.