November 3rd is approaching the U.S. mid-term elections. Mainstream polls in the United States predict that the Democratic Party will win the House of Representatives, and they also have a chance to “turn the situation around” in the Senate.
According to CCTV news reports, two notable records have emerged in this election: the number of people voting early across the United States exceeded 51.9 million, breaking the previous record set during midterm elections; the total expenditure on federal elections is expected to reach 11.9 billion dollars, also setting a new high for midterm elections.
The American newspaper Politico published an article on the 2nd day, stating that while Republicans in the United States were preparing for possible losses in the mid-term elections, they were privately attributing the blame to President Trump.
Although Republicans are trying to distance themselves from Trump’s various policies, including tariffs, the unpopular war in Iran, and the agenda of deporting immigrants on a large scale, few are willing to publicly criticize him. This clearly shows that Trump still has strong control over the Republican Party.
In interviews with Politico featuring around a dozen candidates, campaign officials, and lawmakers, they were clear that the one person who left them in a passive position throughout the entire election cycle was themselves.
“Earlier this year, for a while, we really thought we could break the rules of history,” said an anonymous Republican member of the House of Representatives. “Then Trump attacked Iran. And then things started happening one after another.”
On November 1, 2026, local time, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the Five Flags Center to attend a mid-term election campaign rally and delivered a speech.
In several key swing districts, the support rates of Republican candidates are tied or lower than their opponents. Republicans expect that some red districts that were previously considered secure will also fall.
For example, Texas, which has been a crucial political base for the Republican Party for a long time, has spent over $500 million on senator election advertisements this year, making it one of the most expensive Senate campaigns in the United States. Media reports indicate that Republican organizations have invested substantial funds to support their candidate Pankhurst, aiming to help the Republicans maintain a majority in Congress. However, despite the heavy investment by the Republicans, Democratic candidate Tarryko still holds a slight lead in several polls in late October.
Meanwhile, Trump's messaging during the final stage of his campaign was lackluster, including repeated comments about the appearance of male candidates, which further angered the already tense Republicans.
In private, some Republicans even speak more sharply.
"At least during Obama's presidency, he would only harm his own enemies and never harm his own friends." Another House Republican said.
The White House has defended Trump’s actions regarding the war in Iran, the tariff system, and immigration enforcement. In a statement, White House spokesman David Ingle said that Trump “is undoubtedly the leader of the Republican Party, an outstanding communicator, and a formidable mobilizer. He is also committed to maintaining the Republican Party’s majority in both houses of Congress.”
An anonymous White House official described this act of shifting blame as “a completely stupid attempt”, and stated that Trump “has obviously done everything in his power”.
If the Republican Party suffers a crushing defeat on Tuesday, and Trump's presidency enters a "dodgy duck" phase, those private accusations against him may turn into public "backstabbing." At that time, Republicans will focus again on how to win back voters for the 2028 elections, and will compete openly and secretly for their positions within the party.
I am not sure what the Republican party will look like six months from now. Many Republicans have been silent. Many who were dissatisfied with the developments in the last two years have remained obedient soldiers,” said a Republican strategist involved in nationwide mid-term elections, “But if we lose 35 House seats and six Senate seats, what will happen?”
We all know the problem lies with whom. It's Trump. Couldn't we just continue down this path of failure? This strategist added.
