In an interview with Fox News, Trump said that people agree with what he is doing on Iran but probably were not willing to accept the short-term consequence of paying more for gasoline: “I understand that; I don’t agree with that.” He also said he was “a little bit surprised” and that he thought Republicans would do better.

The president blamed Fox News for the defeats: “It’s their fault, not mine — my numbers are better than ever,” and posted an image of a red cap with the word “VETO,” anticipating the use of presidential veto power to block proposals passed by Democrats.