What he said after Democrats’ sweep

US President Donald Trump has attributed the Republican Party’s defeat in the latest round of American elections to what he called two “decisive” factors – his absence from the ballot and the ongoing government shutdown. Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump said pollsters agreed that these were the main reasons behind the Republican setbacks.

“‘Trump wasn’t on the ballot, and shutdown, were the two reasons that Republicans lost elections tonight, according to pollsters,” he wrote. Trump’s remarks came shortly after Democrats recorded sweeping victories in key contests, including the high-profile New York City mayoral race.

Democrats sweep major races

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Democrats celebrated a strong showing across multiple states, winning gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey, and capturing the mayoralty of New York City. The elections marked the first major political test since Trump returned to the White House nine months ago. In New York, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, made history by becoming the city’s youngest and first Muslim mayor.

Trump’s earlier warnings resurface

Trump had earlier warned that federal funding to New York could be reconsidered if Mamdani won. He referred to Mamdani as a “Communist lunatic” and a “disaster waiting to happen.” His renewed comments on Truth Social came as Democrats consolidated their victories, with the White House later posting on X (formerly Twitter) that “President Trump remains focused on delivering results for all Americans.”

Mamdani, in his victory speech, appeared to address Trump directly. “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,” he said, drawing loud cheers from supporters. The newly elected mayor vowed to resist what he called the President’s “authoritarian tendencies” and to challenge federal policies on immigration and housing.

Hours after Mamdani’s speech, Trump responded with a short message on Truth Social, writing, “And so it begins!” The brief post has since drawn widespread attention, signalling the start of what could become a heated political rivalry between the Republican President and the Democratic socialist mayor.

The exchange underscores rising tensions between the federal administration and New York City’s incoming leadership. Mamdani has promised to implement an ambitious agenda, including rent freezes and universal childcare, calling it “the most determined effort to tackle the cost-of-living crisis this city has seen since the 1940s.”