During live election‑night coverage on Fox News, President Donald Trump addressed the surprising midterm results and laid out his plan for the next two years in office. While acknowledging that the Republican Party fell short of its goals, he emphasized his willingness to use the presidential veto as a negotiating tool with the newly empowered Democratic Congress.
Veto power as a bargaining chip
“They’ll send over things that are insane and I’ll veto them,” Trump said, adding that after a series of vetoes Democrats would come to the White House seeking a way to get legislation passed. He stressed that this approach would force bipartisan cooperation and protect the nation from policies he deems harmful.
Gasoline prices, not the Iran strike, hurt GOP turnout
When asked about the factors behind the Republican losses, the president pointed to higher gasoline prices rather than the recent military action against Iran. “I don’t think it’s the war, Bret, I think it’s the gasoline price,” Trump told anchor Bret Baier. He argued that voters understood the strategic importance of the Iran operation but were uneasy about short‑term fuel costs.
Iran policy defended as a long‑term security win
Trump defended the administration’s stance toward Iran, describing the nation as the “number one state sponsor of terror” and warning that a nuclear‑armed Iran would pose a far greater danger than any temporary price spike. “I think historically it’s going to be much more important than this evening,” he said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to national security.
Rally turnout vs. vote totals
The president also reflected on his own campaign rallies, noting that while the events attracted large crowds, that enthusiasm did not always translate into votes for Republican candidates. “We had tremendous rallies. We had about 30 of them,” he said, suggesting that some GOP candidates failed to energize the base or alienated supporters by opposing his agenda.
Respect for Democratic victories
Despite the setbacks, Trump praised the Democratic Party for its performance, saying, “I think the Democrats did a good job, I really do. They fought hard.” He stopped short of calling the results a personal defeat, emphasizing that his role as president remains unchanged and that he will continue to work toward the nation’s best interests.
Looking ahead
President Trump concluded by reaffirming his confidence that the administration can still achieve its policy goals, even with a Democratic Congress. He urged lawmakers on both sides to come to the White House, negotiate in good faith, and avoid letting partisan differences stall progress for American families.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
