Trump acknowledges messaging failures after Republican midterm losses

Summarised from 3 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 9 Nov, 09:34 · Archive

President Trump acknowledged 'bad messaging' on the economy and said his immigration crackdown was 'too tough' at times following Republican midterm election losses.

Republicans faced significant midterm election losses, with the party losing more than 40 House seats and at least seven Senate seats in races held on Tuesday. According to CBS News exit polling, about 63 per cent of midterm voters disapproved of Trump's job performance, and 44 per cent said one reason for their vote was to express opposition to him.

In an interview following the elections, Trump acknowledged 'bad messaging' on economic issues and said his immigration crackdown was 'too tough' at times. He suggested voters 'didn't like the war' with Iran and the rising gas prices it triggered. However, Trump told CBS News the primary reason for Republican losses was that 'I was not on the ballot', though he acknowledged that in some cases voters 'didn't like the candidates'.

Trump also announced changes to his administration during the interview period. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles departed her role and was replaced by Stephen Miller. The Mirror reports that Trump performed a U-turn by claiming he was 'only kidding' about hiring UFC president Dana White as White House Press Secretary.

How it is being reported

• Trump says he ‘doesn’t want to go to hell’ when asked about death in 60 Minutes interviewAsked about the afterlife in first interview since last week’s crushing midterms defeat for Republicans, President Donald Trump said: ‘Well, I hope I’ll be missed’Independent World · 9 Nov, 10:04
• Trump makes Dana White U-turn as he announces Iran War close to end and Russia-China meeting on cardsThe President has given one of his first interviews since the Republicans' devastating midterms losses, talking Iran, Dana White, JD Vance, and a Russia-China meetingThe Mirror · 9 Nov, 03:04
• Extended Interview: President Trump on 60 MinutesPresident Trump sat down with Ross Douthat in November 2026 to discuss Republican losses in the midterm elections, the wars in Iran and Ukraine, the economy, and more.CBS News · 9 Nov, 00:05
• 10 takeaways from Trump's 60 Minutes interviewHere are the biggest takeaways from our interview with President Trump following bruising GOP midterm losses.CBS News · 9 Nov, 00:00
• President Donald Trump: The 2026 60 Minutes post-midterms interviewIn a wide-ranging conversation, President Trump discusses Republican losses in the midterms, his potential successors, the Iran war, immigration, allegations of corruption, and artificial intelligence.CBS News · 9 Nov, 00:00
• 60 Minutes Transcript: Trump, the 2026 post-midterms interviewIn a wide-ranging conversation, President Trump discusses Republican losses in the midterms, his potential successors, the Iran war, immigration, allegations of corruption, and artificial intelligence.CBS News · 9 Nov, 00:00
• Full transcript: Trump on 60 MinutesPresident Trump sat down with Ross Douthat to discuss Republican losses in the midterm elections, the wars in Iran and Ukraine, the economy and more.CBS News · 9 Nov, 00:00
• 11/8/2026: Donald Trump; France on FireFirst, President Donald Trump: The 2026 60 Minutes post-midterms interview. And, French protests may shift the political landscape.CBS News · 9 Nov, 00:00

In this story: Donald Trump · Stephen Miller · Susie Wiles · JD Vance · Republican Party

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