US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Republican lawmakers that failure to secure victories in the 2026 congressional midterm elections could lead to renewed impeachment efforts by Democrats. Speaking at a closed-door Republican retreat in Washington, Trump emphasized the political stakes of the upcoming vote, telling party members that maintaining control of Congress was critical to protecting his presidency. He said Democrats would seek grounds for impeachment if Republicans lost their slim majority, adding that the threat would become inevitable without electoral success.
With the November midterms approaching, Trump urged lawmakers in the US House of Representatives to overcome internal divisions and present a united front. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority, and the president warned that continued infighting could weaken the party’s ability to defend its legislative agenda. He encouraged members to actively promote his positions on gender policy, healthcare, and election integrity, arguing that these issues resonate with voters facing persistent economic pressures and rising living costs.
Trump also expressed frustration with historical voting patterns that often disadvantage the sitting president’s party during midterm elections. He questioned why voters tend to shift away from the governing party after presidential victories, despite ongoing policy efforts. His remarks reflected broader concern within Republican leadership that voter dissatisfaction could undermine their hold on Congress.
The president’s comments came as he faced increasing calls to refocus on domestic priorities, particularly inflation and consumer prices. These concerns have intensified following a recent high-profile military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While the move drew attention internationally, critics have argued that economic issues at home require greater focus. Trump largely deflected those concerns, blaming Democrats for inflation and urging Republicans to highlight strong stock market performance during their campaigns.
Trump also briefly addressed the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, as Democrats marked its fifth anniversary with events accusing Republicans of attempting to revise the historical record. His remarks followed renewed debate over the legacy of that day and its continued political impact. The president has repeatedly rejected accusations related to the attack and criticized Democrats for what he described as politicizing the issue.
During the same period, Trump repeated claims about crime levels in Washington, asserting that the city had gone months without a homicide. Local law enforcement later confirmed that a murder occurred on New Year’s Eve and reported at least 127 homicides in 2025, contradicting the president’s statement. Despite this, Trump predicted Republicans would defy historical trends and achieve what he described as an epic midterm victory, while also voicing frustration with party members he believes have failed to align with his agenda.
All seats in the US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be contested in November, a vote that could significantly alter the balance of power in Washington. Historically, incumbent presidents have seen their parties lose House seats in every midterm election since 2006, a pattern Republicans are eager to break.
Trump has pressed Republicans to more forcefully counter Democrats on healthcare, particularly as the opposition seeks to renew expired subsidies that previously lowered insurance costs under the Affordable Care Act for millions of Americans. He argued that a clear and aggressive response is necessary to prevent Democrats from consolidating support on the issue.
During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump was impeached twice by a Democrat-controlled House, once over his Ukraine policy and later over the Capitol attack. He was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions. In his second term, some House Democrats have again introduced impeachment articles, accusations the White House has dismissed as politically motivated.
