GB News has issued a major update on the US midterm elections, warning that the outcome could define the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency. The analysis comes as the US President delivered a 54-minute speech ahead of the polls closing, in which he described the elections as "the most important midterms of our lifetime."
Trump's Speech and Democratic Candidates
During the address, Trump labelled the Democratic candidates as "the most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history," according to GB News presenter Martin Daubney. Joining Daubney was GB News' US political editor Tom Harwood, who stressed the significance of the elections.
"This could define the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency," Harwood said. He reminded viewers that in 2024, Trump won not just the presidency but also the House of Representatives and the Senate, a feat known in American political terms as a trifecta.
Control of Government at Stake
Harwood explained that the trifecta gave Trump total control of the government, but he now appears at risk of losing that control. With the Democrats polling high in both chambers, 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate are up for election this time round.
While the Republicans were expected to hold on to the Senate, Harwood noted that in the House, the party holds only a majority of three seats. He suggested that a natural midterm swing could shift the House towards the Democrats.
Battleground States and Cost of Living
Harwood revealed that several traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Kansas and Ohio, are becoming competitive for the Democrats. "Five of the so-called battleground states, Donald Trump won by double digits in 2024," he said, adding that these states have voted for Trump repeatedly.
He described the shift as "the most extraordinary upsurge of feeling for the Democrats." Harwood also pointed to voter unease over the cost of living, which has been exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East and rising gas prices at the pump, which have increased considerably since the start of the Iran war.
