WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure from fellow Republicans to reconsider his policies and leadership approach after the party suffered a major defeat in the midterm elections, allowing Democrats to take control of Congress.
Republican allies and political strategists have urged Trump to reshuffle White House personnel, restore discipline within his administration and reconsider policies they believe contributed to the losses, particularly the war with Iran and tariffs.
Veteran Republican strategist John Feehery described the election results as a “huge disaster” for Trump, saying the president needed to make significant changes to his administration.
However, Trump showed little indication that he intended to alter his political direction. Speaking to Fox News late Tuesday, he said he did not view the election outcome as a personal setback.
With control of Congress, Democrats will have the authority to block legislation, investigate the Trump administration and challenge presidential nominees. The shift is also expected to increase Trump’s reliance on executive action.
The election result has raised questions within Republican circles about whether Trump will maintain his current agenda or reconsider policies that could affect the party’s future leadership, particularly potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
Vice President JD Vance appeared to distance himself from the president on Wednesday, blaming the war with Iran for the Republican losses. Republican strategists and party officials said similar differences could emerge if party members begin questioning Trump’s influence over the Republican voter base.