President Donald Trump ignored the Democratic takeover of the U.S. House to promote Republican gains in the Senate as his victory.
“Those that worked with me in this incredible Midterm Election, embracing certain policies and principles, did very well,” Trump said in a tweet Wednesday morning. “Those that did not, say goodbye! Yesterday was such a very Big Win, and all under the pressure of a Nasty and Hostile Media!”
Democrats won the House by riding a surge of voter anger and discontent with Trump in suburban enclaves. Democrats’ victory in the House hobbles Trump’s ability to move his agenda forward, including another round of tax cuts and funding for a border wall. Democrats have pledged to check the president’s power and investigate his scandal-plagued administration.
But Republicans held control of the Senate and even gained seats in that chamber with backing from Trump loyalists, particularly in rural regions. Republicans scored wins in many Senate races where Trump personally campaigned, including in Indiana, North Dakota, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.
Before the election, Trump bragged that any candidates he backed would win. Among the 76 Republican candidates for House, Senate and governor endorsed by Trump on Twitter where the races have been called, there were mixed results. Forty-four had been declared winners and 32 had lost.
The president’s strategy of emphasizing divisive issues such as immigration appeared to backfire on Republican candidates in suburban swing districts that determined control of the House. It may have been effective, however, in largely rural states where he remains popular and where the closest Senate races played out.
The president scheduled a news conference for 11:30 a.m. Washington time on Wednesday in which he is likely to respond further to the election outcome.
This article provided by Bloomberg News.