President Donald Trump warned House Republicans that losing the 2026 midterm elections would give Democrats a reason to impeach him, and urged the party to present a united front on issues from healthcare to election reform. Speaking at a GOP retreat in Washington, he predicted an "epic" Republican victory while acknowledging the usual midterm headwinds for a president's party. The outcome of November's vote—when all House seats and one-third of Senate seats are contested—could determine the fate of much of his agenda.
Trump Tells House Republicans: Lose 2026 Midterms And Democrats Will Try To Impeach Me
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference following a U.S. strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
WASHINGTON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump warned House Republicans on Tuesday that failing to win the 2026 midterm elections would give Democrats an opening to pursue his impeachment.
Speaking at a retreat for House GOP lawmakers, Trump urged party unity on a range of issues—including gender politics, healthcare and election reforms—and pressed members to sell his agenda to voters frustrated by the rising cost of living.
"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," Trump said. "I'll get impeached."
Trump framed November's contests as pivotal: all 435 House seats and one-third of Senate seats will be on the ballot, putting his legislative priorities at stake. He predicted an "epic" Republican victory but also acknowledged the historical trend that the president's party often loses ground in midterm elections.
House Republicans have largely deferred to Trump in recent sessions, ceding significant influence over spending and other priorities. At the same time, lawmakers have shown early signs of independence: this week the House may vote on an effort to override a presidential veto that canceled water projects affecting Colorado and Utah, though it remains unclear whether supporters can reach the two-thirds threshold required for an override.
Trump was impeached twice by the Democratic-led House during his 2017–2021 presidency—first over his dealings with Ukraine and later in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him on both occasions.
Reporting by Steve Holland, Trevor Hunnicutt, Bo Erickson, Andy Sullivan and Richard Cowan; Editing by Franklin Paul and Alistair Bell.
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