Donald Trump Claims Midterms Were “Tremendous Success,” Becomes Unhinged During Press Conference

Democrats reclaimed the House last night, winning at least 26  seats, more than the 23 they needed to hold the majority. Midterm elections are often a challenge for the political party in power, with this midterm serving as a public reprimand of President Donald Trump and the Republicans. However, Trump seemed to interpret last night as a success for his party before growing hostile at a Wednesday news conference.

DONALD TRUMP DISCUSSES MIDTERM RESULTS

Speaking through Twitter, Trump declared last night to be a “tremendous success,” offering his thanks to everyone.

Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2018

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It was a sentiment social media did not agree to be true, with many other Twitter users joking about the Democrats’ victory:

One president called it a thumping, one called it a shellacking. This president calls his party losing the House a “tremendous success.” https://t.co/mlqbVCq8B9

— Julie Davis (@juliehdavis) November 7, 2018

You lost control of a deeply gerrymandered House. https://t.co/91qkdYJscr

— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) November 7, 2018

Fact check: losing control of the House, losing several key governorships in red states, and losing the popular vote total by millions is objectively not a “tremendous success” for Republicans. Trump will take credit for every win, pass blame for every loss. https://t.co/cl9NuJ4pG6

— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) November 7, 2018

On Wednesday, Trump again tweeted about the midterm results, boasting about the outcome while deriding any pundits who don’t give them “proper credit.”

To any of the pundits or talking heads that do not give us proper credit for this great Midterm Election, just remember two words – FAKE NEWS!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2018

Nonetheless, Trump’s initially pleased tone changed during a Wednesday news conference despite his insistence that he “stopped the blue wave.” Republicans who failed to embrace him during the election were among those who drew the president’s ire, and he also threatened the Democrats, claiming he’d counter their intention to investigate his tax returns by channeling a “warlike posture.”

The conference spanned over one hour and forty minutes, the entirety of which can be seen below: