Democrats projected to take US Congress as Trump blames Fox News and fuel prices

Democrats win the House and Senate

Projections on Tuesday's midterm elections, cited by NBC News and CNN, give the Democrats control of the Senate and the House of Representatives, ending the Republican majority in both chambers. Based on incomplete returns, the party had secured at least 53 of the 100 Senate seats, while 218 House seats are needed for a majority. Democrats also won seats in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, South Carolina and Iowa, states that Republicans had long dominated. In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton for a Senate seat in a state that had long been an important Republican bastion.

Trump blames Fox News, Iran and fuel prices

In posts on Truth Social, Trump accused Fox News of regularly hosting Democratic politicians and argued that Republicans would have won by a landslide had his own name been on the ballot. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he said Iran was one of the factors behind the result. He did not regret launching attacks on Iran and said he would make the same decision again, adding that rising oil prices, and with them petrol and diesel costs, had discouraged voters. He also attacked Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom he labelled a 'RINO' (Republican In Name Only) and whom projections show losing to Democrat Gina Hinojosa. Trump said he would accept the results and congratulated the Democrats, while warning he would use his veto against legislation. naTemat reported that he shared a photo of a red cap with 'WETO' in place of the MAGA slogan and said he would not sign any bill drafted by the opposition.

Obama and the path ahead

Former president Barack Obama wrote on X that Americans had sent a clear signal for politics that brings people together and for leaders offering concrete solutions. He noted that the current administration will stay in power for two more years, so Democrats should use their new influence to push changes where possible, block further harmful measures and prepare the ground for the future. Obama had actively campaigned for party candidates before the vote. His message framed the win as a starting point rather than an end point.

Doubts over the US base in Poland

Former Polish defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak, speaking to RMF24, said Trump's goodwill toward Poland could end once America turns to its own affairs, and he feared the planned US base in Poland may not be built. He noted that Trump had announced the base on social media on 17 September. Błaszczak argued that Trump, unlike younger American politicians, belongs to a generation interested in Europe. He also criticised the Polish government for wasting the opportunity and called Donald Tusk's proposal for a one-on-one meeting with President Karol Nawrocki on the Constitutional Tribunal crisis a 'new mask'.

Trump's approval falls

A poll taken during the midterms, reported by NBC, CNN and AP, found 38% of voters satisfied with Trump's work and 62% dissatisfied. That compares with 54% positive opinions in a November 2024 Emerson College Polling survey and 47% support in a January 2025 Gallup poll.

Nov 2024 (Emerson College)54%

Jan 2025 (Gallup)47%

Nov 2026 (NBC, CNN, AP)38%

Nov 2024 (Emerson College)

54 %

Jan 2025 (Gallup)

47 %

Nov 2026 (NBC, CNN, AP)

38 %

Data from the article text

Economic issues topped voters' concerns at 39%, ahead of the state of democracy at 32% and immigration at 14%. Some 65% of respondents said Trump's actions had worsened the economy, against 28% who said they had helped it. Among voters, 43% cited opposition to Trump's policies as a motive for voting, while 16% cited support for him, and three quarters said they felt anger or dissatisfaction with the country's direction.

Economy39%

Democracy32%

Immigration14%

Economy

39 %

Democracy

32 %

Immigration

14 %

Data from the article text