U.S. President Donald Trump warned House Republicans on Tuesday that failing to secure a victory in the 2026 midterm elections could lead to his impeachment by Democrats.
Speaking at a retreat for GOP lawmakers in Washington, Trump emphasized the urgency of winning, stating, “You gotta win the midterms ‘cause, if we don’t win the midterms, it’s just gonna be — I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached.”
Trump urged Republicans to present a unified front on key issues, including gender politics, healthcare, and election reforms, while highlighting his policies to voters concerned about the rising cost of living. With all House seats and a third of Senate seats up for grabs in November, Trump stressed that the midterm outcome would significantly impact his legislative agenda.
While expressing confidence in a Republican victory, Trump acknowledged historical patterns that often see the party of a sitting president lose ground in midterms. “They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm,” he remarked at the Kennedy Centre, recently renamed to include a nod to him. He questioned public sentiment, adding, “I wish you could explain to me what the hell’s going on with the mind of the public.”
House Republicans have largely deferred to Trump’s leadership, even ceding congressional authority on spending and other matters, but some members are beginning to assert independence.
For instance, the House may vote this week to override a Trump veto on water projects in Colorado and Utah, though it remains uncertain whether the two-thirds majority required will be reached.
Trump has faced impeachment twice in the past. The Democratic-led House impeached him during his 2017–2021 term over alleged abuses of power related to Ukraine and the January 6 Capitol riot.
In both cases, the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him. His warning to Republicans underscores the high stakes of the upcoming midterms and the political pressures he faces to maintain influence over Congress.
