The Republicans' blame game begins but the agenda remains

The Republicans’ loss of Congress in the midterm elections has triggered a wave of second-guessing inside the party, with several of President Trump’s signature policies suddenly being treated as political liabilities. Vice President JD Vance linked the defeat to the Iran war, acknowledging that voters want it to end and that some 2024 Trump supporters switched sides over the war. Meanwhile, Republican strategists are reportedly urging a change of course, while questions surround Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s future and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s position. Trump has also admitted that his mass deportation campaign may have hurt Republicans, as tariffs and the cost of living face renewed criticism. Yet, despite the warnings, he continues to defend the US war on Iran, while appointing Stephen Miller as chief of staff signals no retreat from his hardline immigration agenda.