US President Donald Trump reportedly maintained a low profile inside the White House on election night as Republican losses mounted during the midterm elections, with accounts from insiders suggesting growing frustration among his allies.
Although Trump briefly adopted a conciliatory tone in his public remarks, his reported reaction behind closed doors was markedly different, according to accounts published by the Daily Mail.
Speaking to Fox News on election night, Trump admitted that he had not expected the Republicans to perform so poorly and acknowledged the efforts of the Democrats.
“I’m a little bit surprised. I thought they’d do better,” he said.
He also commended the opposition party for its campaign efforts, saying, “I think the Democrats did a good job, I really do. I think they did a good job. They fought hard.”
Trump further indicated that he was open to working with Democrats despite the disappointing outcome for his party.
Tense atmosphere at White House
According to the Daily Mail, Trump’s aides and political associates assembled in the White House East Room to monitor the election results and discuss the implications for the administration.
The gathering reportedly featured trays of finger food from the Cheesecake Factory, a reference to comments previously made by former President Barack Obama.
However, Trump was absent from the gathering, reportedly staying in his private residence with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and presidential aide Natalie Harp.
First Lady Melania Trump also reportedly did not attend the event.
One source described the atmosphere among Republican officials as disconnected from the reality of the election results.
“Delusional,” the source said of those gathered, adding, “They were delusional right until the very end.”
As the losses became more apparent, a White House official reportedly suggested that significant changes might be necessary to protect Trump’s political legacy.
The mood at the presidential residence also reportedly deteriorated as the evening progressed, with senior aides and members of the Cabinet gradually leaving the gathering.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had attended earlier, was among those who reportedly departed.
By shortly before 10 p.m. Eastern time, when Democrats were projected to take control of the House of Representatives, the East Room had reportedly become almost deserted. Some members of staff had also moved to a nearby Washington bar.
Describing the atmosphere in Trump’s private residence, a senior official told the Daily Mail, “It’s very, very dark in the residence. It’s a dark scene.”
Another source close to the president said, “He’s watching Fox News, barely uttering a word and paralyzed into silence.”
Trump blames Fox News, Abbott
While Trump reportedly remained quiet inside the residence, he took to his Truth Social platform to criticise individuals and organisations he appeared to hold responsible for the Republican setback.
Fox News was among his targets, with the president accusing the conservative television network of contributing to the party’s losses.
“Fox News bears responsibility for these losses,” he wrote.
He also criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott, despite having praised him earlier on election day.
“If Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, hadn’t become a RINO in the last six months of his Political Life, he wouldn’t have lost,” Trump posted.
He added, “We would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!”
Trump also reminded his supporters that his name was not on the ballot, despite previously encouraging voters to treat the midterm elections as a judgment on his presidency.
Rubio, Hegseth reportedly face scrutiny
Meanwhile, discussions reportedly emerged within the White House over which senior officials could be held responsible for the Republicans’ poor electoral performance.
Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth were among the names mentioned in conversations about possible accountability.
One senior administration official identified the ongoing war with Iran as a significant factor behind the election outcome, suggesting that Hegseth could face consequences.
“Tonight would have looked very different without the Iran War,” the official told the Daily Mail.
The source added, “I believe you’ll ultimately see POTUS hold Hegseth accountable.”
Vance blames Iran war for defeat
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the Republican setback, openly linking the party’s poor performance to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In a lengthy statement shared on X, Vance declared, “The reason we lost is the war.”
His comments have fuelled speculation about possible political divisions within the administration, with some interpreting his remarks as an attempt to distance himself from Trump’s handling of the conflict.
The development has also drawn attention to Vance’s reported interest in a possible presidential bid in 2028.
