President Donald Trump slammed the midterm election results as a "giant step back in history" on Sunday, shrugging off a bruising defeat and vowing an aggressive return to power.
The rout was decisive. Democrats captured both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterms, toppling Republican incumbents in traditional red strongholds that the party had dominated for decades. The loss strips the White House of its legislative shield.
Trump refused to retreat. On Friday, he appointed hardline adviser Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff—a direct signal that the administration will fight the incoming majorities rather than compromise. Miller, the architect of Trump's strictest border and immigration measures, steps into the post as congressional committee gavels prepare to change hands.
In a Sunday message on Truth Social, Trump linked the vote directly to Wall Street volatility, arguing that financial markets tumbled immediately after ballots were tallied. "America took a giant step back in History with the results of the last Election," Trump wrote, before shifting into campaign mode: "But have no fear, we will be back, BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!"
Democratic leaders moved swiftly to establish their battle lines. Emboldened by dual-chamber control and impending subpoena authority, lawmakers announced plans to hold the administration accountable and promised to challenge Miller "every step of the way." The clash sets up immediate funding fights and high-stakes hearings once the newly elected Congress gavels in.