Trump says choice is between 'communism or common sense' after Tuesday's elections
After a wave of stinging results in several state contests -- in an election considered a referendum on him and Republicans -- President Donald Trump has tried to dismiss the bad news.
“TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,” according to Pollsters," he posted, but not naming the pollsters.
Later, he again called for getting rid of mail-in ballots and eliminating the filibuster, which he says would allow Senate Republicans to end the 35-day government shutdown.
"Pass Voter Reform, Voter ID, No Mail-In Ballots. Save our Supreme Court from “Packing,” No Two State addition, etc. TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER!!!," Trump said in his post on his social media platform.
Trump reiterated those points on Wednesday morning as he hosted Senate Republicans at the White House, where again downplayed the losses but admitted it was bad for Republicans.
"Last night, it was, you know, not expected to be a victory. It was very Democrat areas but I don't think it was good for Republicans. I don’t think it was good, I'm not sure it was good for anybody," he told lawmakers gathered for breakfast.
"But I thought we'd have a discussion after the press leaves about what last night represented and what we should do about it, and also about the shutdown and how that relates to last night. I think if you read the pollsters, the shutdown was a big factor, negative, for the Republicans," he said.
As Zohran Mamdani delivered a passionate victory speech after being projected winner in the New York City mayor's race, Trump posted on social media: "…AND SO IT BEGINS!"
Earlier this week, Trump threatened to slash federal funding to New York City if Mamdani won.
Trump, speaking at a business leaders forum in Miami on Wednesday afternoon, again suggested action would be coming after the results of New York City's elections.
"On November 5, 2024, the American people reclaimed our government. We restored our sovereignty. We lost a little bit of sovereignty last night in New York. But we'll take care of it," he said.
Trump said that "Miami will soon be the refuge for those fleeing communism in New York City." Trump has repeatedly called Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, a "communist."
"After last night's results, the decision facing all Americans could not be more clear. We have a choice between communism and common sense. ... As long as I'm in the White House, the United States is not going communist in any way, shape or form. We'll stop it. We're going to stop it. Stop this nonsense," he said.
