Republicans turn on Trump after Democrats seize Congress
Why it matters: The losses leave Trump facing Democratic investigations, blocked nominees and a weakened path for the rest of his term.
Republicans are increasingly blaming President Donald Trump for a midterm defeat that handed Congress to Democrats after surprise losses in states including Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. Party strategists, lobbyists and White House allies told the BBC that backlash to Trump’s policies, low approval ratings and focus on his own legacy weighed down GOP candidates. One ally described voter anger over the Iran war, tariffs and the administration’s immigration crackdown as a “perfect storm.” The result opens a new phase of Trump’s second term, with Democrats positioned to investigate the administration, obstruct judicial picks and slow the rest of his agenda.