Republicans trade blame after midterm collapse as 2028 hopefuls jockey for position
Republicans suffered a generational collapse in Tuesday's midterm elections, triggering internal blame largely aimed at President Donald Trump and exposing deep party fissures as 2028 hopefuls position themselves. Vice President JD Vance, the presumed GOP frontrunner, blamed the defeat on the Iran war, cost of living and US-Israel ties, saying the conflict cost Republicans the Senate for at least six years. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called it an "extinction-level event" and demanded Congress ban stock trading by lawmakers. Senator Ted Cruz cited backlash to tariffs, the Middle East war and data centre construction. Trump downplayed the results, denied tension with Vance and dismissed reports of ousting Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, signalling no major staff shakeup.