Against the backdrop of early results from the US midterm congressional elections trending in favor of Democrats, President Donald Trump has publicly commented on the voting process and essentially shifted responsibility for a potential Republican defeat onto the absence of his name on the ballots. The statement came as projections show Democrats winning control of both chambers of Congress, while polls record low approval ratings for the president. Below is an analysis of what Trump specifically said, how this line was supported or softened within the White House, and what consequences the new composition of Congress may hold for foreign policy and Ukraine.
Statement on Truth Social: "I was not on the ballot"
According to RBC-Ukraine citing the president's post on Truth Social, as well as The New York Times and Bloomberg reporter Jeff Mason, Trump wrote: "I was not on the ballot, and had I been, we would have won by a landslide!". At the same time, the president emphasized that he was not running in these elections himself. The wording effectively turns the midterms into a referendum on his persona and removes direct responsibility for the result from Republicans, shifting the focus to the idea that without Trump's personal involvement, his electoral machine failed to operate at full strength.
White House stance: From acknowledging results to "buckle up"
The administration's position turned out to be mixed. According to The New York Times, Trump stated that he would accept the election results and work with Democrats, who are projected to win control of both chambers of Congress. Simultaneously, a White House official in a comment to CNN explained the situation using similar logic: Trump's voters, according to him, turn out at the polls precisely when the president personally appears on the ballot. At the same time, uncompromising notes were also heard within the administration: in comments to Bloomberg reporter Jeff Mason, an official stated that Democratic voters will "regret their choice" once fuel prices drop rapidly following the resolution of the conflict with Iran, adding, "No matter how today ends, President Trump's resolve to stop the radical left will only strengthen. Buckle up."
Voter sentiment: Around 60% disapprove of the president's job performance
The electoral backdrop prior to the vote was unfavorable for the president. According to preliminary CNN exit poll data, about 60% of Americans who came to the polls disapprove of Trump's job performance. This figure explains both the public reaction on Truth Social and the officials' explanations regarding "turnout only with Trump's name": the administration effectively acknowledges that without the president's personal brand, it is difficult for Republicans to retain their electorate in midterm elections, which typically feature a "wave" favoring the opposition party.
Foreign policy stakes: Iran and risks for Ukraine
US foreign policy may also depend on the election results. According to Axios, in the event of a Republican defeat, Trump might lean toward a massive strike against Iran — meaning the electoral failure risks translating into more aggressive rhetoric in the international arena. In turn, the new composition of Congress will also affect the level of support for Kyiv: RBC-Ukraine previously analyzed in an analytical piece what specific risks changes in congressional chambers pose for Ukraine. Thus, the 2026 midterm elections are becoming not only a domestic political event but also a foreign policy milestone with direct consequences for the course of the conflict in Ukraine and the Iranian track.
