On Wednesday, President Donald Trump informed Fox News he was “a little bit surprised” regarding the midterm election outcomes. He stated he expected Republican candidates to perform better given the large crowds at his events. The president called into the network’s coverage shortly after Democrats secured control of both the House and Senate. Trump said he could work with Democrats on “many things,” but drew hard lines on border security and gender issues.
According to ABC News, Trump noted, “I thought we would do better.” He pointed to the thousands of supporters who could not get into his rallies as proof of his momentum. However, he blamed high gas prices and some Republican candidates for the losses. He also posted on social media that if he were on the ballot, his party would have won “IN A LANDSLIDE!”
Despite Trump’s comments about working together, top Democratic leaders say they have not heard from him. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told the Washington Examiner, “I have not heard from President Trump.” He added that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not received a call either. Schumer confirmed this lack of contact during a victory press conference, saying simply, “No, not yet.”
Trump disputed this silence during his Fox News interview. He claimed, “Believe it or not, I’ve already spoken to some of them.” He specified the number as five lawmakers: “Two senators and three congressmen, actually.” He mentioned he has three more waiting to call him back. The president did not identify which specific members of Congress he spoke with.
.@POTUS on divided government: “It’s been done before, as you know, numerous times. It’s the power of veto — it’s one of the stronger powers that a President has. They’ll send over things that are insane and I’ll veto them.” https://t.co/X4nhw7F57h
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 4, 2026
While Trump expressed willingness to collaborate, he made clear where he would not compromise. According to Breitbart, he said he could not work with Democrats on an open border. He also rejected the idea of men playing in women’s sports. “I mean, I don’t think men should be playing,” he stated firmly. These issues remain non-negotiable points for his administration.
Trump also reminded the public of his veto power as a tool to block unwanted bills. He said last month, “What happens is I veto everything,” if Democrats try to pass laws he opposes. He believes he can force negotiations on his terms. Democrats now hold at least 54 Senate seats and could control up to 250 seats in the House.
A divided government emerged for the last two years of Trump’s presidency due to the election results. Democrats won in traditionally Republican strongholds like South Carolina and Kansas. Trump played a major role in several key races, including endorsing Ken Paxton in Texas and Darline Graham in South Carolina. Tuesday projections indicated that both candidates would lose their respective races.
Trump said he does not view the election as a referendum on himself. He told Politico, “I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!” He added that he watched the results with “great interest” and learned from the period. He declined to blame anyone directly for the losses, calling it a “very interesting period of time.”
