Republicans Turn On President Trump

What happened

Updated Nov 5, 3:07pm ET

Republicans openly challenged President Donald Trump after their midterm defeat, as Vice President JD Vance and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made early moves toward possible 2028 presidential bids.
Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, including Senate seats in Republican strongholds such as Texas, Kansas and South Carolina.
Vance blamed the losses on the Iran war and urged Republicans to end the conflict, tackle living costs and reconsider America’s relationship with Israel.
DeSantis called the defeat an “extinction-level event” for Republicans in many areas, while Republican donor Dan Eberhart said responsibility started with Trump.
The party’s direction and its 2028 nomination remain unsettled as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January.

How the left told it

Left-leaning outlets framed the losses as a reckoning for Trump’s leadership that also threatened Vance’s future. CNN said Vance’s path to succeeding Trump looked “much murkier.” MS NOW questioned his explanation for the defeat, while Current Affairs argued that “as vice president, he owns the GOP’s failure.”

How the right told it

Right-leaning outlets framed the defeat as a Republican reckoning over Trump’s leadership and the party’s direction. Fox News highlighted insiders blaming Trump, quoting donor Dan Eberhart calling it “a Trump loss.” The New York Post challenged Vance’s war-centered explanation, while Townhall questioned “where Vance’s loyalty really lies.”

Republicans Turn On President Trump

What happened

How the left told it

How the right told it

Republican Midterm Reckoning

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