Washington, Nov 5: A day after the Republican Party’s electoral setbacks across three key states, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the prolonged government shutdown significantly damaged his party’s performance in Tuesday’s polls.
During a meeting with Republican Senate leaders at the White House on Wednesday, Trump admitted that the shutdown had a “negative impact” on the GOP’s chances, while also attempting to distance himself from direct responsibility.
“The shutdown was a big factor, negative, for the Republicans. And they say that I wasn’t on the ballot was the biggest factor. I don’t know about that, but I was honoured that they said that,” Trump remarked.
On Tuesday night, the President had posted a similar statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, quoting pollsters who attributed the Republican losses to the shutdown and his absence from the ballot.
In the latest elections, Democrats retained control in the New York City mayoral and New Jersey gubernatorial races, while they flipped Virginia by winning all three major contests — Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
Meanwhile, California voters approved a Democratic-backed redistricting plan, potentially reducing the Republican tally in the House of Representatives by at least five seats. With Republicans currently holding 219 seats to the Democrats’ 213, losing just four could shift the House majority.
Reiterating his stance, Trump urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, a procedural rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation. “It’s the only way you can do it. If you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape. We won’t pass any legislation,” he said.
Despite Trump’s pressure, Republican senators remain opposed to ending the filibuster. The ongoing government shutdown entered its 36th day on Wednesday, marking the longest in US history.
