Trump Blames Iran War for Midterm Rout as Rubio and Hegseth Face Purge
Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections, delivering a major defeat to President Donald Trump, who reportedly remained silent and secluded in his private residence on election night. White House officials blamed the loss on the costly Iran war, which has consumed $47 billion in taxpayer funds and driven gas prices above $4.15 per gallon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to be primary targets of an internal purge. Junior staffers reportedly feared political retaliation and sought solace at nearby bars, while Trump lashed out at Fox News on his Truth Social platform. The defeat mirrors the 2022 election night collapse at Mar-a-Lago, raising concerns of significant internal upheaval.