Trump frames midterms as ‘tremendous success’

Published 7:37 am Wednesday, November 7, 2018

WASHINGTON — Staring down the potential loss of one-party control in Washington, President Donald Trump declared Tuesday’s election results a “tremendous success” for Republicans as his party maintained its hold on the Senate while Democrats picked up GOP-held seats in the House.

Trump waited until late in the night to weigh in on the midterm vote, tweeting a succinct message that overlooked expected Democratic gains in the House, writing: “Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!”

With results still coming in, Republicans had a chance to increase their majority in the Senate. Democrats were gaining speed in their quest for the House, which would give them the ability to launch investigations into the president and stymie his agenda.

Email newsletter signup

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders minimized likely Democratic gains.

“Maybe you get a ripple, but I certainly don’t think that there’s a blue wave,” she told reporters, pointing to several early Republican wins.

As for Republicans retaining control of the Senate, she called it “a huge moment and victory for the president.”