Trump set to lurch further right, claiming US took ‘giant step back’ in elections
Donald Trump claimed the US took a 'giant step back' after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, while appointing hardline aide Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff.
Despite the election results showing voter frustration with key elements of Trump's agenda including the Iran war and sweeping tariffs, the administration appears set to press ahead with more aggressive policies. Trump posted on Truth Social that America had taken a 'giant step back in History' with the election results, citing the sharp sell-off in global markets and the rout of US tech stocks.
Miller's promotion signals hardline shift
Stephen Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration, will begin as White House chief of staff on Monday. The move has stoked expectations that Trump is poised to double down on an aggressive immigration crackdown and cultural war battles while refusing concessions to the new Democratic majority.
The move 'signals the administration is going to have a fighting-from-a-bunker approach the last two years'
Controversial press secretary appointment
Trump abruptly announced on Saturday that he had offered UFC CEO Dana White the role of White House press secretary, which has been largely vacant since Karoline Leavitt departed this summer. Leavitt's initial replacement, Katie Zacharia, lasted only five days in the job.
Trump described White as 'a violent Fighter and Warrior' and urged him to take the position, saying 'Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other.' The appointment follows Trump's threat against Democrats planning oversight of his administration and family, with Attorney General Todd Blanche confirming 'there could be' investigations into them.
Democratic investigations loom
Democrats have made clear that Miller and Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a close Trump ally, are likely targets of congressional investigations once the party retakes control in January. Congressman Robert Garcia, set to chair the House oversight committee, confirmed investigations into Musk's involvement in mass federal worker firings and Miller's role in Trump's immigration crackdown.
Representative Jamie Raskin, poised to lead the House judiciary committee, has also requested information on the business dealings of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and son Donald Trump Jr. With 33 of 35 Senate races called, Democrats won 54 seats to Republicans' 44, with votes still being counted in Alaska and Mississippi.
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