Trump Points to Government Shutdown for Election Losses, Denies Personal Responsibility
Amid setbacks in key states, Trump urges Senate Republicans to end filibuster to pass legislation
Washington, Nov 6: A day after significant Republican losses in key races across New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, former President Donald Trump acknowledged that the prolonged government shutdown negatively impacted his party’s performance, while seeking to distance himself from direct blame.
Speaking to Senate Republican leaders at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said, “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 had made similar remarks on Truth Social on Tuesday night, quoting pollsters: “‘TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT.’”
In Tuesday’s elections, Democrats retained control of the New York City mayoralty and New Jersey governorship, while taking Virginia from Republicans, winning all three statewide offices Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. Meanwhile, California voters approved a Democratic backed redistricting plan, potentially reducing Republican representation in Congress by at least five seats, a development that could affect the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
Trump also urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, calling it the only way to pass legislation effectively. “It’s the only way you can do it. And if you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape. We won’t pass any legislation,” he said, though opposition within the party remains strong.
The current government shutdown entered its 36th day on Wednesday, marking the longest in U.S. history, and is widely considered a key factor in the Republican setbacks.
