Republicans trade blame after midterm losses, with some citing Trump and tariffs

Republicans are trading blame after heavy midterm defeats, with some demanding accountability within the party and others suggesting even Jesus Christ could not have won in the current political climate. Representative Mike Lawler, who lost his suburban New York district, said the worsening environment for Republicans caused everything to collapse, while Florida's Greg Steube criticized leaders for not sticking to principles and governing by fear. Others pointed fingers at White House senior advisor Stephen Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the Iran war, and President Trump's tariffs for rising prices, with retiring Representative Don Bacon calling the election a referendum on Trump.