Trump blames absence from ballot as Democrats take control of US House

Donald Trump wanted voters to treat the 2026 midterm elections as a referendum on his presidency. Now that the results are turning against his party, the US President has a different explanation: he was not on the ballot.

As Democrats celebrated a string of victories, Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, November 4, to argue that Republican candidates would have performed better had he personally been contesting the elections. "I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP," he posted.

The remark came after major US networks projected that Democrats had regained control of the House of Representatives, setting up a potentially turbulent final two years of Trump's presidency. The party also scored significant victories in Senate contests, although control of the upper chamber remained undecided as votes continued to be counted.

Democrats flip US House: What the midterm results mean for Trump

The projected Democratic takeover marks a sharp reversal in Washington's balance of power. With control of the House, Democrats will gain the authority to lead congressional committees, issue subpoenas and investigate the administration's policies and decisions.

The shift could also put Trump's legislative priorities under pressure. Although the President retains executive powers and the ability to veto legislation, a Democratic-controlled House can block bills, demand documents and summon administration officials for questioning.

The prospect of investigations into Trump's administration and business interests is likely to become a defining feature of his remaining time in office.

Hakeem Jeffries celebrates Democratic victory as he eyes historic speakership

The House result has also brought Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries closer to a historic milestone. The 56-year-old New York congressman could become the first African American Speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027.

Celebrating the party's gains, Jeffries wrote on X, "Victory for America!...MAGA extremists are on the run from sea to shining sea."

However, the speakership is not automatic. Jeffries must secure the support of a majority of lawmakers in a formal House vote when the new Congress meets.

Annie Andrews defeats Trump-backed candidate in South Carolina Senate upset

One of the most striking results came from South Carolina, where Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican Darline Graham in a Senate race that had appeared difficult for Democrats to win.

Andrews' victory was a major upset in a state Trump carried by 18 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. Democrats had not won a Senate seat there in 28 years. Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, had received Trump's backing.

After her victory, Andrews said, "South Carolina, you have shown the nation — in an era of partisan divides, of vitriol and namecalling, in a politics dominated by billionaires, special interests, and insiders in Washington — that we will not bow down. We will not back down. And we will chart our own course,"

The Associated Press also reported Democratic victories in North Carolina and Georgia, adding to the party's Senate gains. However, the final balance of power in the chamber was still being determined.

Why the 2026 midterms are a warning for Trump's Republicans

The results offer an early measure of voter dissatisfaction with the administration. Reuters reported that the cost of living, fuel prices and concerns over the Iran war were among the issues weighing on voters.

For Trump, the midterms have delivered a political warning: his influence may remain formidable, but it has not guaranteed Republican victories. With Democrats preparing to take charge of the House, the President's final two years could be marked by investigations, legislative confrontations and a much more difficult relationship with Congress.

(With inputs from ANI)