Politico: Republicans Have Begun Blaming Trump For Their Setbacks

3.11.2026, 13:53
2,982

Dissatisfaction is particularly evident in the Midwestern states.

Dissatisfaction with U.S. President Donald Trump is growing within the Republican Party. Party members are increasingly holding him responsible for the party’s poor showing in the midterm elections, although few dare to publicly criticize the president. The reasons cited include the war with Iran, trade tariffs, and a hardline immigration policy, according to Politico.

In conversations with journalists, about a dozen Republican candidates, lawmakers, and campaign staff members acknowledged that the president’s actions have complicated their election campaigns.

“At one point early this year, we really felt we could defy historical trends. And then Trump bombed Iran. And from there, everything went haywire,” said one Republican in the House of Representatives.

Discontent is particularly noticeable in the Midwestern states, where the war with Iran led to rising fuel and fertilizer prices. Tariffs have hit states bordering Canada, including Maine and Michigan, while mass deportations have complicated the situation for Republicans in Texas, Arizona, and Florida.

According to a POLITICO poll, 29% of Republican voters believe the party is losing popularity because of Trump. Another 30% attribute the potential decline in results to the fact that the president himself is not on the ballot. Only 14% attribute the situation to the Democrats’ rising popularity.
“We all know what the problem is—it’s Trump. Are we going to keep down this path of defeat?” said one Republican strategist.

The White House rejected the criticism, calling Trump the Republican Party’s top leader. However, within the party, there is already discussion that a major election defeat could turn the current behind-the-scenes discontent into an open struggle for a political future without Trump.

PATREON Support the website

Write your comment 2