Key facts
- Donald Trump said he would act as a "blocker" for two years if Democrats win back the House and Senate.
- Trump stated that he campaigned harder in presidential elections because he had to win.
- Trump said he is campaigning for other people in the current midterm elections.
- Trump expressed uncertainty about whether oil and gas prices would drop ahead of the midterm elections.
- Trump reiterated claims that the election was rigged.
Donald Trump has shifted his tone regarding the urgency of the upcoming midterm elections, stating in an interview with Laura Ingraham that he would serve as a "blocker" for two years if Democrats regain control of Congress. This represents a departure from his recent message urging people to vote for Republican candidates as if he were on the ballot.
Trump told Fox News that the current midterm elections differ from a presidential election because he is not personally on the ballot. He recalled campaigning intensely for four months without "empty days" or "empty hours" during his presidential runs, emphasizing that this year he is "campaigning for other people."
When asked if the first two years of a potential second term would be worthwhile if Democrats won back the House and Senate, Trump responded, "It is what it is." He also expressed confidence in the Republican party's midterm performance despite what were described as uphill battles and low approval ratings.
In a separate interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News, Trump reiterated his claims that the election was rigged, stating, "the election was rigged. You know that. I know that. Everybody knows that now, and it's all come out and it's coming out." Bartiromo appeared to briefly acknowledge this statement. Trump also responded noncommittally when asked about potential drops in oil and gas prices before the midterms, saying, "I hope so, I mean, I think so. It could be, it could be or the same or maybe a little bit higher." He also stated he was "fine" with a recent social media post that had drawn criticism.