Trump says he’ll take the blame if Republicans lose the midterms: ‘They’re going to blame me’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump acknowledged he could shoulder the blame if Republicans lose control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.

Speaking at a rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 10, Trump said he does not expect to receive credit if Republicans win but anticipates criticism if they lose. With the November 3 elections approaching, he urged supporters to vote and help his party retain its majorities in Congress.

Trump expects blame if Republicans lose the midterms

Trump's remarks highlighted the political pressure surrounding the midterm elections. The party holding the White House typically loses seats in Congress during midterms elections, a trend Republicans are trying to overcome.

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. Losing a few seats could allow Democrats to take control, giving them greater power to block legislation and increase scrutiny of the administration.

“If we don’t win the midterms, they’re going to blame me,” Trump said at the rally.

“You know that. And if we do win them, I will get no credit whatsoever. It's true. I won't get any.”

“But I'm working my a** off,” he added. “You better get out there and vote.”

Trump has stepped up his campaign appearances ahead of the elections, making stops in seven states since the beginning of October.

His visit to Tennessee, a state he won by 18 points in 2024, focused on energizing Republican supporters and encouraging them to turn out to vote rather than persuading undecided voters.

Trump offers $5,000 promise to motivate midterm voters

Midterm elections have historically posed challenges for the party holding the White House, and Trump's approval ratings could add to the Republicans' difficulties.

According to an NBC News average of polls, 38% approved of Trump's performance in office, while 59% disapproved.

Trump is seeking to counter those challenges by motivating his core supporters to vote. He also offered an unusual incentive as he urged voters to preserve Republican control of the House and Senate.

He ended his hour-and-a-half-long speech with a reminder, saying, “with your vote on November 3rd, you'll get $5,000.”

At the rally, Trump pushed back against claims that his popularity had declined. On Saturday, he described the idea as a “false narrative” in a social media post.

During his speech, he played a CNN clip showing support for him among MAGA voters remaining steady since the 2024 election. CNN was among the outlets the Trump administration banned from the White House grounds the previous month.

“I'm very popular, I really am,” Trump told the crowd.

Trump also expressed confidence in Tennessee's congressional candidates, suggesting they were likely to win regardless of his presence at the rally.

“These guys are all going to win,” he said. “These congressmen are phenomenal. So, I'm saying, ‘What the hell am I doing in Tennessee?’”