What the Democrats' midterm victory means for Trump's presidency

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump's White House appeared defiant despite the likely Democratic gains in the US midterm elections. The 80-year-old president's mood shifted from cautious optimism to defiance as early results suggested Democrats would deal the incumbent a significant setback. The White House official stated that the mood within the administration was defiant, questioning the quality of Republican candidates and asserting that Trump had done a better job promoting them than the candidates themselves.

The White House hosted a reception for cabinet officials and political advisers to watch the results in real-time. However, journalists were not granted access to the viewing party. Staffers dined at The Cheesecake Factory, a nod to former President Barack Obama's criticism of Trump's White House renovations resembling a Cheesecake Factory.

Polls had consistently shown voters angered by Trump's Iran war and the subsequent rise in living costs. Yet, the White House dismissed these concerns, stating that American voters would "buckle up" and accept the potential Democratic victory. The administration emphasized that President Trump's resolve to counter the Radical Left would only grow stronger, regardless of the electoral outcome.

Earlier, Trump had expressed frustration with Fox News's coverage, claiming its ratings decline was due to its lack of loyalty to him. He also dismissed a Fox poll of voters' opinions as "always the worst." Despite his previous threats of a "Mr. Veto" to block Democratic legislation, the White House dismissed these concerns, maintaining a defiant stance in the face of a potential Democratic victory.