Republicans lose both chambers as Trump focuses on ballroom after midterm defeat

Republicans lose both chambers

Republicans lost their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, handing Democrats control of Congress. Watson reported a loss of at least 7 Senate seats and at least 40 House seats, with the party also losing in Republican strongholds such as Texas, South Carolina and Mississippi. According to a large voter survey cited by Handelsblatt, dissatisfaction with Trump's policies, and especially rising fuel prices linked to the war with Iran, was a central reason for the defeat. Trump's term is expected to end in January 2029, and Democrats are expected to make his remaining time in office harder.

Vance and the succession question

Vice President JD Vance, widely seen as Trump's likely political heir, had already distanced himself from Trump and blamed the Iran war for the losses. In a written statement he said many voters who had backed him and Trump two years earlier were angry, and he urged them to use that anger to save the country. A poll he cited found that disappointed voters wanted an end to the Iran war, a focus on living costs and inflation, America first, and a change in relations with Israel. Trump downplayed Vance's prospects, saying Vance might not run and that he did not know who would. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, was also named as a possible candidate. Marc Short, a former chief of staff to Mike Pence, said the defeat does not help Vance's case and could even harm it.

Strategists call for a change of course

Republican strategists and advisers demanded a reshuffle of White House staff, more discipline and an end to contested policies such as the Iran war and tariffs. John Feehery described the result as a catastrophe for Trump, said he must clean up his house, and warned that Trump would become a lame duck with each passing day. Another party adviser warned of another defeat at the next election if Trump kept to his current themes. According to one adviser, focus groups for competitive Senate races in Michigan and Iowa showed growing concern. More Republican and independent voters reportedly opposed Trump's focus on the White House ballroom and renovation work in Washington.

Trump's first appearance after the vote

Trump's first public appearance after the election came on Wednesday, 4 November, when he invited journalists to the ballroom construction site at the White House. The ballroom project involved demolishing the East Wing, and Handelsblatt also listed a heavily disputed triumphal arch and the renovation of a traditional golf course in Washington among his building projects. Accounts differ on how long he spoke, with estimates of nearly 20 minutes and nearly 30 minutes. He did not mention the election at first. Only after a reporter's question did he acknowledge that the war with Iran had contributed to the Republican losses, while defending the conflict as necessary because he had expected oil prices to rise much further. Asked whether losing the Senate was worth it, he answered yes and said he had no other choice. He also interrupted reporters' questions about a possible impeachment by Democrats.

Trump's tone toward Democrats

In a Fox News interview late on Tuesday evening, Trump said he did not see the Democrats' win as an attack on him. He congratulated the Democrats on their good work and said he would work with the new majority on many issues, using his veto only if their proposals were too extreme. In an initial reaction he also ruled out a cabinet reshuffle and said his name had not been on the ballot. On Wednesday he said he would probably get along well with Democrats unless they wanted to stir up discord. Democrats said they would try to ease the burden on Americans struggling with expensive groceries or high interest rates, and would scrutinise the government's business conduct.

Voter anger and open questions

Reinhard Keck, a FOCUS journalist reporting from Washington, said the defeat was even harsher than many forecasts had predicted after he spoke with voters at election-night parties. Among them were former Trump supporters who this time voted for the Democrats. A young lawyer told him he had voted only for Trump in his life so far, including this time, and described the result as a bloodbath. Keck said voters were uneasy about the Middle East, a possible normalisation of relations with Russia and high living costs, which hit low earners hardest.