After Midterms Defeat, White House Reminds Americans Trump Is Still President Amid Online Backlash

White House doubles down

On Wednesday morning, the official White House account posted, “PSA: TRUMP IS STILL YOUR PRESIDENT,” alongside a photograph of Trump leaning on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The post closed with, “Thank you for your attention in this matter.” White House communications director Steven Cheung had posted a similar message earlier, writing, “Donald J. Trump is the President of the United States. Still your President!” The messages came after Republicans suffered heavy losses in the midterm elections.

Online backlash follows post

The White House post drew criticism from social media users. One X user called Trump a “lame duck president for the next 2 years” and criticized Cheung’s response to the results. Tim Fullerton, CEO and co-founder of progressive outlet Find Out Media, wrote, “Can’t spin this one. Everyone hates what you guys are doing.”

Trump blames GOP candidates

Trump had not posted on Truth Social since late Tuesday. Just after midnight, he spoke to Fox News and blamed GOP candidates for the Republican losses, without taking responsibility himself. Republican officials were seeking someone to blame for the party’s poor election results, Politico reported.

Gloom inside the White House

A senior official described the mood in the White House as “very, very dark,” according to the Daily Mail. Top advisers and allies had gathered for an election watch party in the East Room.

The source said Trump was watching Fox News and was “paralyzed into silence.” The results elevated the country’s first Black female governor, first Native American female governor, first Native female senator and first openly gay male U.S. senator.