Kumar Bahukhandi
The White House shares an image of US President Donald Trump with the message “NEVER SURRENDER” on X on 4 November 2026, a day after Democrats won control of the House and Senate in the US midterm elections. (Image: The White House via X)
The White House shared an image of Donald Trump on X a day after Democrats won the House and Senate. Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran contributed to his party’s defeat.
Key Highlights
- The White House posted a picture of Trump with the message “NEVER SURRENDER” on 4 November, a day after the US midterm elections.
- Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, scoring Senate victories in Republican strongholds including Texas and South Carolina.
- Vice-President JD Vance blamed the Iran war for the defeat. Trump called it one factor and defended his decision to launch the campaign.
Washington: The White House struck a defiant tone on Wednesday, sharing a picture of US President Donald Trump on X with the message “NEVER SURRENDER” after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The post came as Trump and his vice-president publicly weighed the political cost of the war with Iran.
Democrats captured the House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday, ending unified Republican control in Washington. In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton to become the state’s first Democratic senator-elect in 38 years. Annie Andrews’ Senate victory in South Carolina showed how far the Democratic gains extended into Republican territory.
Trump and Vance Weigh the Cost of the Iran War
Vance offered a blunt assessment of the result. “The reason we lost is the war,” he wrote on X. Trump’s assessment was narrower. “I think a part of it was Iran,” he told Fox News. The president defended the decision in a separate interview with The Wall Street Journal, saying he would make the same choice again.
The war and the cost of living had become intertwined during the campaign. Democratic candidates argued that the conflict was pushing up petrol prices and adding to household expenses. The party’s congressional leaders are preparing an early legislative push focused on the cost of fuel, groceries and healthcare.
Democrats Gain Leverage on Capitol Hill
When the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will be able to set the agenda in both chambers and lead committees that oversee the administration. Their Senate majority will give them leverage over Trump’s nominees, while control of the House will strengthen their hand in federal spending negotiations. Trump retains the presidential veto and has already signalled that he is prepared to use it against Democratic legislation.
