Despite Republican midterm losses that some are calling a “bloodbath,” former President Donald Trump still wields significant power β and the next two years could define whether the GOP retakes the White House in 2028, argues a new op-ed in American Thinker.
The Veto Pen and the Bully Pulpit Remain
Author Brian C. Joondeph, a physician and conservative writer, notes that Trump retains presidential authority like veto power and executive action capabilities even with an opposition-controlled Congress. “The party affiliation will change, but congressional resistance to his initiatives… will continue unabated,” he writes, comparing it to Trump’s first-term struggles with GOP infighting.
Unanswered Questions on Iran War Backlash
The piece blames voter anger over the Iran conflict β which broke Trump’s “no new wars” campaign pledge β for much of the GOP’s losses. But it critiques the administration for failing to clearly explain the war’s necessity or define “victory,” contrasting it with Bush Sr.’s “read my lips” tax reversal that cost him reelection.
Election Oddities β But Not Enough to Explain a ‘Blue Tsunami’
While raising concerns about scanner malfunctions in Westchester and Alaska’s “Duplicate Dan” ballot confusion, Joondeph concedes these didn’t cause Democrats’ sweeping wins. He highlights Texas Democrat James Talerico’s shocking 5.4 million votes β 600,000 more than Harris in 2024 β as eyebrow-raising but not conclusive evidence of fraud.
Florida’s GOP Success vs. Texas’ Collapse
The article contrasts Florida Republicans holding key seats through “strong election rules” and governance with Texas’ underperformance, suggesting red states must emulate Florida’s model rather than blame external factors.
Trump’s Path Forward: Deal-Making or Grievance?
With two years left, Trump faces a choice: “relitigating the midterms” or addressing kitchen-table issues like gas and grocery prices while pursuing viable deals. His decision, Joondeph argues, will determine whether “another Republican occupies the White House in 2028.”
Source: www.americanthinker.com β https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/11/trump-is-still-president/