Trump’s remarks came as every seat in the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate will be contested in November, with control of both chambers expected to determine whether his administration can continue to pass legislation with limited internal resistance, or whether it could be slowed by investigations and legislative roadblocks. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House, a margin that has left party leaders repeatedly dependent on near-unanimous attendance and fragile compromises to advance legislation.
The midterm elections have historically been difficult for incumbent presidents. Trump acknowledged that pattern in his speech, telling lawmakers the political dynamic was hard to explain even when a president believes his policies are popular. “They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm,” Trump said. “I wish you could explain to me what the hell’s going on with the mind of the public.”Continue reading…
