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6h ago

Trump Says U.S. ‘Shouldn’t Even Have an Election’ in Reuters Interview

The White House calls the remark a joke, with polls and race ratings shifts signaling Democratic momentum in the 2026 midterms.

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U.S. President Donald Trump is interviewed by Reuters White House correspondent Steve Holland during an exclusive interview in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 14, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump is interviewed by Reuters White House correspondent Steve Holland during an exclusive interview in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 14, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Overview

  • Reuters quoted the president saying “we shouldn’t even have an election” as he discussed historical midterm losses for the party in power and the risk Republicans could lose Congress.
  • Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said he was speaking facetiously, noting she was present for the closed-door interview, which was not recorded.
  • Legal analysts and outlets noted a president has no authority to cancel congressional elections, and the comment drew warnings from media and observers about democratic norms.
  • Recent indicators point to Democratic gains, including an Economist/YouGov generic ballot edge of 44% to 40% and Cook Political Report shifts moving 18 House races toward Democrats.
  • In the same interview Trump dismissed an unfavorable Reuters/Ipsos Greenland poll as “fake,” said “I don’t care” to GOP and business criticism, defended ICE after the Renee Good shooting, and has separately threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.