President Donald Trump didn’t sugarcoat it Wednesday morning — the government shutdown is dragging Republicans down.
Speaking at a White House breakfast with GOP lawmakers, Trump admitted that Tuesday’s bruising Election Day results “were not expected to be a victory,” and offered two blunt reasons.
“I think, if you read the pollsters, the shutdown was a big factor,” Trump said. “Negative for the Republicans, and that was a big factor.”
He added, “They say that I wasn’t on the ballot and was the biggest factor. But I don’t know about that. But I was honored that they said that.”
Democrats swept major races across multiple states, with exit polls showing economic fears and the shutdown stalemate weighing heavily on voters’ minds.
“I don’t think it was good for Republicans,” Trump admitted. “I don’t think it’s good. I’m not sure it was good for anybody.”
Now, after 36 days of gridlock — the longest shutdown in U.S. history — Trump wants the standoff over.
“We must get the government open,” he said, urging Republican senators to take the gloves off. “It’s time for Republicans to do what they have to do. Terminate the filibuster.”
Watch the clip below:
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump on Democrats' election wins last night
"It was not expected to be a victory. Very Democrat areas. But I don't think it was good for Republicans, or good for anybody."
"We learned a lot."
He's right. pic.twitter.com/cu6I8bU9Er
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 5, 2025
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