Here’s what Trump had to say.
Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald J. Trump broke his silence Wednesday morning, offering a blunt explanation for why Republicans stumbled at the polls — and his reasoning might surprise many.
During a breakfast with GOP lawmakers at the White House, Trump said the record-breaking 36-day government shutdown had a serious political cost for the Republican Party.
“If you look at what the pollsters are saying, the shutdown played a major role — it hurt Republicans politically,” Trump told reporters. “It was a significant factor.”
Trump went on to say that some analysts blamed his absence from the ballot itself.
“They say that because I wasn’t on the ballot, that was the biggest factor,” Trump added. “I don’t know about that, but I was honored they said it.”
Trump: Shutdown Hurt GOP Momentum
The former president said the shutdown — now the longest in American history — damaged the party’s momentum at a crucial moment.
Still, Trump maintained that the GOP could quickly regain ground if it stood firm on key conservative priorities: border security, the economy, and restoring American strength.
“I don’t think it was good for Republicans,” Trump admitted. “But I’m not sure it was good for anybody.”
Democrats Gain Ground in Key States
Democrats claimed major victories in several states Tuesday night. They won the New York City mayoral race, governorships in New Jersey and Virginia, and secured another predictable win in California, where voters approved a new congressional map designed to give Democrats up to five additional U.S. House seats in the next midterm elections.
Exit polls showed that economic concerns, inflation, and frustration with Washington gridlock were top issues for many voters — echoing what Trump has warned about for months.
Trump Calls for GOP Action: “End the Filibuster”
By Wednesday morning, Trump was urging Republicans to bring the shutdown to an end and take bold action to move the nation forward.
“We must get the government open,” Trump said. “It’s time for Republicans to do what they have to do. Terminate the filibuster.”
The call reflects Trump’s ongoing push for decisive leadership in Congress — a message that resonates strongly with conservative voters who want results, not excuses.
The Big Picture
Trump’s remarks underscore a larger truth many conservatives already feel: the Republican Party must stand united, stay bold, and keep fighting for the forgotten men and women of America.
With inflation rising, families struggling, and Washington gridlock at a breaking point, Trump’s warning could prove prophetic as the 2026 midterms approach.
