NOVEMEBR 9, 2026
Senators Republicans returned to Capitol Hill on Monday as frustrations about Donald Trump grew. The Hill and key political players say the party is increasingly blaming the lame duck president for big losses across the lower tiers of politics.
The frustrations are coming from Trump’s endorsing candidates. They lost badly in elections in key states like North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas to candidates like Michael Whatley, Lindsey Graham and Ken Paxton who were all endorsed by Trump and lost the general election badly.
Trump caused quite an outcry when he announced his new chief of staff would be Stephen Miller on Friday after Susie Wiles. Politicos and Reuters say there was huge backlash by GOP aides who say the decision shows Trump intends to double down on his controversial political approach.
This has left Republicans pollsters and aides very frustrated. The party is in turmoil but many of them still back Trump’s disastrous policies. There is a divide now between traditional conservatives and MAGA supporters.
Political analysts told AP this anger means the party is more likely to try to change direction. With the party looking to the 2028 presidential election, it will be interesting to see if the party will have the guts to move away from MAGA or if they will stick to a platform which is still failing to deliver.