Trump Rejects Blame for GOP Rout: ‘I Wasn’t on the Ballot’

US President Donald Trump congratulated Democrats on their midterm election victories late on Tuesday, Nov. 3, but refused to take personal responsibility as Republicans lost their projected majorities in both chambers of Congress.Speaking in telephone interviews as results emerged, Trump attributed the defeat to Republican candidates’ shortcomings and his absence from the ballot, AFP reported.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“I don’t view it as a hit on me,” he told Fox News, according to CNN’s report.His comments combined an offer of cooperation with Democrats and a warning that he would use presidential vetoes against their legislation.“My message is, congratulations to the Democrats, and I look forward to working with you for the good of our country,” he told CBS News.Trump blames candidates and turnoutTrump argued that Republican candidates had failed to inspire enough people to vote, despite his own campaigning on their behalf.“I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!” he wrote on Truth Social.The argument contrasted with his campaign appeals for Republicans to vote as though he personally were running. Several candidates defeated on Tuesday had received his endorsement and appeared alongside him at campaign events.Trump also targeted Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who lost to Democrat Gina Hinojosa, accusing the longtime ally of being a Republican in name only.The White House advanced a similar explanation, with an official arguing that Trump had done more to promote some candidates than they had done to promote themselves. Other Topics of Interest US Seeks 1,000+ New Cruise Missiles for Ukraine, First Deliveries Due in 3 Months The ERAM missile is designed to hit targets more than 463 kilometers away, even in conditions of electronic jamming. But Trump’s response varied between interviews. While criticizing candidates publicly, he also told Politico he did not want to assign blame and said he had learned from watching the results.Iran war and prices weigh on RepublicansTrump acknowledged that the Iran war had contributed to the outcome, but defended his decision to launch it.He told the Wall Street Journal he had no regrets and would have made the same decision again, CNN reported.The conflict and its economic consequences became major election issues, with higher fuel prices adding to concerns about groceries, housing, and other household expenses.Exit polling showed nearly nine in 10 voters considered the cost of living a major factor, while almost two-thirds blamed Trump for high prices, Reuters reported.Democrats prepare to challenge Trump in CongressDemocrats’ projected congressional sweep included victories in traditionally Republican states such as Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina.The results would end Republican control of both chambers when the new Congress convenes in January, forcing Trump to negotiate with the opposition to advance legislation requiring congressional approval.House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become speaker, provided he secures the necessary votes. His election would make him the first Black lawmaker to hold the position.Jeffries has promised investigations into alleged corruption in Trump’s administration. Democratic committee chairs would gain powers to demand documents, summon witnesses, and scrutinize government spending and potential conflicts of interest.Trump has denied wrongdoing, and his administration has rejected allegations of corruption.The change also carries implications for Ukraine. Congress can influence military assistance, sanctions, and oversight of Washington’s dealings with Moscow, although Trump retains substantial authority over diplomacy and military decisions.Analysts have warned that greater domestic constraints could also make Trump more unpredictable abroad. Democratic control would increase scrutiny of his foreign policy, while decisions on additional assistance to Ukraine would still require negotiations over legislation and spending. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.