President Donald Trump said in a recent interview that voters may be less enthusiastic about supporting Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections because he will not be on the ballot. Trump made the remarks during an Aug. 7 interview with Punchbowl News, discussing the GOP’s prospects ahead of the November elections.
Trump cites voter frustration with Republicans, not himself
Trump stated that while some voters are angry at Republicans, they are not angry at him. He noted that incumbents typically lose seats in Congress during midterm elections, adding that his absence from the ballot complicates Republican efforts to mobilize voters. “If I don’t run, will those people go out and vote? And that’s the one thing I can’t tell,” Trump said. “I’m going to ask them to.”
The president also referenced his 2024 presidential election victory, telling the interviewer, “I said to somebody, ‘Wait a minute, you don’t understand, I won.’” He emphasized that he is not actively campaigning for Republicans in the midterms, though his super PAC, MAGA Inc., has raised hundreds of millions of dollars as of June to support GOP candidates.
Polling suggests Democratic advantage in House race
A Decision Desk HQ polling average cited in July indicates that Democrats are “somewhat favored” to retake the House of Representatives, while Republicans hold a slight edge in retaining the Senate. When asked about the possibility of Democrats gaining control of the House, Trump said he would continue backing House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), stating, “I don’t think there’s even a thought of anybody challenging him.”
Trump addresses potential Democratic oversight if they win Congress
In the same interview, Trump was asked how he would handle a potential Democratic-controlled Congress in 2027. When pressed on whether Democrats might pursue investigations or impeachment, Trump responded by asserting that many consider him “one of the greatest presidents ever.” The interviewer, Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News, countered, “They’re not saying that though,” to which Trump replied, “Yeah, but they know. They see the results,” before listing accomplishments such as increased domestic investment, factory construction, and AI initiatives.
Trump also highlighted economic policies, claiming that companies are relocating to the U.S. from countries including Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Japan. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether his electoral coalition would turn out for Republicans without him on the ballot. “A lot of them are very angry at Republicans,” he said. “They are not angry with me, but they are angry at [Republicans].”
The president’s remarks come amid ongoing political tensions and differing expectations about the midterm outcomes, with Republicans seeking to maintain their congressional majorities while Democrats aim to regain control.