President Donald Trump offered his most direct comments to date on his party's prospects in the November 2026 midterm elections, publicly distancing himself from potential Republican losses.
In an interview with Punchbowl News released Friday, Trump denied claims that he does not care about the Republican Party holding its majorities in Congress. "It's not right," he said. "We're gonna fight hard. It's very important to the country that we win."
Yet Trump also suggested his involvement in midterm campaigning is a favor to the party. He noted he could spend his campaign funds "on pretty much anything I want" and mentioned taking time for speeches in Nevada and Los Angeles. "I didn't have to be supporting all the people. I have a busy schedule," he said.
Trump then made a claim that directly challenged the Republican Party's narrative about voter sentiment. "The question is, will they vote? Because a lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you," he said. "They're angry at Republicans, but they're not angry at me."
This assertion contradicts recent polling. Up to two-thirds of Americans currently disapprove of Trump's performance—a level of unpopularity seen at this point in a presidency only during the administrations of Richard Nixon and George W. Bush.
A Pew Research Center poll showed 81 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said their midterm vote would be cast against Trump. In contrast, only 44 percent of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents said their vote would be for Trump.
Polling from CNN indicates significant discontent among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents regarding many of Trump's actions, with dissatisfaction often ranging from 30 percent to 50 percent or more within his own party base.
Despite these internal divisions, Trump has shown no willingness to alter his policy stances to bolster his party's political position. He has continued to advocate for tariffs and military intervention in Iran, both of which have polled poorly.
