Dana Perino says she doesn’t know if Trump ‘cares’ about midterms, hints at GOP losing Congress

Perino said Trump may face little political cost from midterm losses, suggesting history and polling make a GOP loss of Congress possible
PUBLISHED MAR 31, 2026
Fox anchor Dana Perino spoke during a broadcast appearance at Fox News Channel Studios in New York City  (John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Fox anchor Dana Perino spoke during a broadcast appearance at Fox News Channel Studios in New York City (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Dana Perino said during a discussion on ‘The Five’ that she doesn't know if President Donald Trump is focused on the midterm elections coming up.

The comment was made during a panel discussion about Trump's political strategy and how it might affect Republicans in Congress. Perino said this while talking about polling, messaging, and the general state of politics.

Dana Perino questions Trump's focus on midterms

Perino said she is unsure whether President Donald Trump cares about Republicans’ prospects in this year’s midterms, given that history is working against the GOP.

Dana Perino suggests Trump faces little political risk and may not prioritize midterm outcomes.



“I don't know what political price he could possibly pay... it's probably likely that the Republicans won't be able to hold it...” she said during the conversation.

Perino praised the “military success” of Trump’s war but said that “more needs to be done,” even though Trump himself will not face tangible political consequences.

“I don’t know what political price he could possibly pay,” she continued. “He’s not running for president again.”

“If it’s the midterms, I don’t know if he cares that much.”

Perino pointed to the uncertainty around election outcomes and suggested that Trump’s approach may not be centered on helping Republicans maintain their majority.

President Donald Trump speaks with the media before boarding Air Force One, Monday, March 23, 2026, at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump spoke with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 23, 2026 (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“He is gonna do what he can, but he understands history and knows that it’s probably likely that the Republicans won’t be able to hold it even if they try.”

“So, the political price to me, is not weighing in on some of these very tough decisions.”

Perino made the remarks while discussing polling, messaging, and the broader political outlook.

Trump's popularity declines according to polls

A little over a year into his second term, Trump is experiencing a decline in popularity.

On Monday, UMass released a poll showing his approval rating at 33%, while 62% disapprove of the job he is doing.

President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump spoke during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 26, 2026 (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The survey comes about a month after Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war against Iran on February 28.

The war itself is broadly unpopular, and more Americans say it will make the US less safe, according to a Pew poll released last week.

The GOP holds a slim three-seat lead that most political observers believe will be overtaken by a Democratic majority.

Republicans hold the Senate 53–47, and Democrats face a tough map that would require them to retain and flip several swing states.

President Donald Trump speaks during an event with farmers on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump spoke during an event with farmers on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 27, 2026 (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Perino based her comments on the idea that Trump doesn't seem to be focused on shaping the outcomes of congressional races.

The statement stood out in the conversation because it directly talked about what people thought would happen in the midterm elections and how likely the party was to win.

The panel kept looking into how the current political climate might affect voters and candidates. Perino's comments showed that there was doubt about whether Trump's actions were in line with the party's usual strategy before important elections.

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