Washington — One day after Republicans suffered setbacks in several high-profile state elections, President Donald Trump acknowledged that the ongoing federal government shutdown likely contributed to the losses — while insisting he himself was not at fault.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday during a meeting with Republican Senate leaders, Trump said the shutdown “was a big factor, negative, for the Republicans,” but argued that his absence from the ballot was also cited as a key issue.
“They say that I wasn’t on the ballot was the biggest factor. I don’t know about that,” Trump said. “But I was honored that they said that.”
On Tuesday night, Trump posted a similar message on Truth Social, claiming pollsters pointed to the shutdown and the lack of his name on ballots as primary reasons for GOP defeats.
Democrats won or maintained control in several crucial contests, including the New York City mayoral race and New Jersey’s governor’s race. In Virginia, Democrats swept all three statewide offices — governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general — flipping control from Republicans.
Meanwhile, California voters approved a redistricting plan backed by Democrats that could reduce the GOP’s House majority by at least five seats heading into next year’s congressional elections. Republicans currently hold 219 seats to Democrats’ 213, leaving the balance of power vulnerable if just a few seats change hands.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Trump again urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, a procedural rule that requires 60 votes to move most legislation forward.
“It’s the only way you can do it,” Trump said. “If you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape. We won’t pass any legislation.”
Most Senate Republicans continue to resist the idea of scrapping the rule.
The federal government shutdown reached its 36th day on Wednesday, making it the longest shutdown in United States history. (Source: IANS)
